Stem guides and replaceable cartridges

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for adjusting the buoyancy of a fishing bobber. The method includes providing a buoyant member and a stem guide configured to receive the buoyant member, mounting the buoyant member to the stem guide and cutting the buoyant member. The buoyant member is made of a material capable of being severed by a cutting device and having first length, a lower end, and an upper end. The stem guide receives the buoyant member and a fishing line with fishing tackle. The buoyant member is cut such that the buoyant member has a second length shorter than the first length. The buoyant member is cut to a second length such that the buoyancy of the buoyant member when cut to a second length is enough to oppose the tendency of the stem guide and fishing tackle to submerse the buoyant member such that a top surface of the cut buoyant member is adjacent to the surface of the water when the stem guide, buoyant member, fishing line and any fishing tackle are placed in the water.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 USC §120 as a continuation orcontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/707,251filed on Feb. 15, 2007; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/336,696,filed on Dec. 17, 2008; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/365,596,filed on Feb. 3, 2009, and under 35 USC §119 from EP09179460.2, filed onDec. 16, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein in theirentirety by reference. This application also claims priority from U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/774,710, filed on May 5, 2010 andclaiming priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/175,653, filed on May 5, 2009, the contents of which are incorporatedherein in their entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to stem guides that are configured toaccept removable and replaceable cartridges, such as bobbers, floats,light sticks and scent sticks for fishing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The concept of fishing tackle such as fishing bobbers that can be usedeither as a slip bobber or a fixed line bobber is known in the art.Typically, in the slip bobber mode the fishing line extends freelythrough a tube in the fishing float. A string stop in the form of a knotis tied onto the fishing line. Usually a bead, which can slide along thefishing line, is placed on the fishing line with the knot forming a stopfor the bead and the bead having a larger outside diameter than the tubeto form a stop for the fishing bobber. The knot being small can passthrough the eyes of the fishing rod and the fishing reel to allow theline with the knot to be wound up on the fishing reel. As one casts theline with the slip bobber and the bead the hook with the bait sinksallowing the fishing line to slide through the slip bobber until thebead engages the knot, which prevents further sliding of the bead alongthe fishing line. In addition, since the bead cannot pass through thetube in the fishing float it also stops the fishing float from slidingpast the knot thus limiting the depth of the hook.

The slip bobbers, which are well known in the art, are also often usedto fish in a fixed line mode, that is, the bobber is temporarilyattached to the fishing line with a spring clamp that slides over afishing line that extends through a saw cut on the hollow stem in thefishing float. Unfortunately, the fishing float stems with saw cuts inthe hollow stem have sharp edges which can weaken and cut the softflexible fishing lines. In addition to harshness to the fishing line bythe saw cut in the stem of a fishing float the placement of a saw cut inthe stem of the fishing bobber weakens the stem, which can cause thestem to break during use. One such fishing float with a spring and sawcut hollow stem is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,082,711. Another suchfishing float with a saw cut stem is sold by Carlson Tackle Company Inc.of Cortland Ohio under the trademark Wing-it™.

An improved line stop is found in a fishing bobber sold under the nameLucky Jack™ by ROD-N-BOBB'S of Eau Claire Wis. The improved line stopincludes a compression spring located around a hollow stem, which is anintegral portion of the fixed/slip bobber. The line guide shoulders inthe stem of the bobber include rounded or radiused corners to protectthe fishing line from nicks and cuts that would weaken the fishing linethus causing the line to break unexpectedly. While the improved linestop is useful as part of a slip bobber it has limited application toslip bobbers.

Although the improved line stop can protect the fishing line fromabrasion the spring forms a moving part that can become stuck. In orderto avoid a spring that can stick it would be desired to have a line stopfor use on fishing tackle that has no moving parts and can be used onslip bobbers as well as other types of fishing tackle.

Oftentimes a fisher person may want to create his or her own tackle,such as a line light or a scent stick that can be quickly attached ordetached from a fishing line. Unfortunately, devices for attaching afishing line to a piece of tackle include extraneous items that renderit impractical to use the device, consequently, people who use linelights or scent sticks attach the devices to a fishing line using arubber band or the like.

It is known in the art to adjust a bobber during fishing if the bobberconfiguration is not suitable for the fishing conditions. For example,U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,147 describes a foam rubber buoyant member, orfloat, that is mounted in a hook member and can be adjusted by theangler. The float of the '147 patent is adjusted not by replacing thefloat in the hook member with a different float but by instead using aknife to cut the float to have a different length. This is differentfrom removing and replacing the float.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,073 describes an adjustable buoyantmember, or float, that is made of a plastic foam attached to a hookmember. The plastic foam can be cut to adjust the length of the floatand thereby make an adjustable bobber system with adjustable buoyancy.The bobber system also includes a weight that encircles the float andcan be adjusted along the length of the float. This weight appears to besimilar to the known plastic bands that are movable along the length ofthe float to allow the angler to better visualize the position andmovement of the float in the water. Again, like the '147 patent, the'073 patent appears to adjust the buoyancy of the float by cutting thefloat to a shorter length rather than removing and replacing the floatin the hook member. For example, the '073 patent describes the float asbeing secured in a cavity by use of glue, adhesive or other mechanicalsecuring means. This does not disclose or teach that the float can beremoved and replaced or removed and used again. Instead, the examplesgiven for securing in the cavity demonstrate that the float and hookmember would likely be damaged in its removal and unsuitable for useagain.

Further, with respect to the mounting of the buoyant member to the stemguide, in general the stem guides are rigid while the buoyant member isflexible. Therefore a mounting of the buoyant member to the stem guideinvolves a temporary deformation of the buoyant member rather than apermanent or temporary deformation of the stem guide. As a result, thebuoyant member is retained to the stem guide on the basis of thecompressive tendency of the buoyant member against the stem guide ratherthan any force imparted by the stem guide against the buoyant member. Asan analogy, the floats herein may be stretch over the prong to mount tothe prong and therefore be in a slightly expanded state around the prongand exerting a compressive force against the prong. Similarly, wheninserted into a cavity in the stem guide, the buoyant member iscompressed and then one released within the cavity, the buoyant memberexerts an expansive force against the cavity to retain the buoyantmember in the cavity.

The stem guides disclosed herein permit the angler to attach and removethe stem guide from the line without cutting the line. The stem guidemay have a float, scent stick or light stick temporarily attached to thestem guide such that the float, scent stick or light stick may be easilyattached and removed from the fishing line without cutting the line ordamaging the stem guide and potentially not damaging the float, scentstick or light stick.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one general aspect, there is provided a method for adjusting thebuoyancy of a fishing bobber. The method includes providing a buoyantmember, providing a stem guide, mounting the buoyant member to the stemguide and cutting the buoyant member. The buoyant member is made of amaterial capable of being severed by a cutting device. The buoyantmember has a first length, a lower end, an upper end an internal channelpassing between the two ends. The stem guide is configured to receivethe buoyant member and a fishing line with fishing tackle.

The stem guide includes a cartridge receiving end and a fishing lineengaging end. The cartridge receiving end has a cartridge attachmentmeans configured for receiving and retaining the fishing cartridge tothe stem guide in a manner that permits the fishing cartridge to beremoved from the stem guide without causing an amount of damage to thestem guide which prevents the stem guide from being used again. Thefishing line engaging end is at an end of the stem guide that isopposite the cartridge receiving end and is configured for receiving afishing line through an opening in the receiving end. The opening isconfigured to limit the ability of the line to become separated from thestem guide while allowing the fishing line to pass through the stemguide.

The buoyant member is cut such that the buoyant member has a secondlength shorter than the first length, whereby the buoyant member is cutto a second length such that the buoyancy of the buoyant member when cutto a second length is enough to oppose the tendency of the stem guideand fishing tackle to submerse the buoyant member such that a topsurface of the cut buoyant member is adjacent to the surface of thewater when the stem guide, buoyant member, fishing line and any fishingtackle are placed in the water.

Embodiments of the method may include one or more of the followingfeatures. For example, the top surface of the cut buoyant member may beabove the surface of the water, below the surface of the water, orgenerally flush with the surface of the water.

The cartridge attachment means may be a prong and mounting the buoyantmember to the cartridge attachment means includes inserting the pronginto the channel in the buoyant member.

The method may further include mounting a visualization aid to thebuoyant member. Mounting a visualization aid to the buoyant member mayinclude inserting the visualization aid into the hollow channel of thebuoyant member. The visualization aid may be one or more of a viz stickand a light stick.

The method may further include applying an adhesive to the buoyantmember or the stem guide to retain the buoyant member to the stem guide.The method may further include applying an adhesive to either thebuoyant member or the visualization aid to retain the visualization aidto the buoyant member.

The buoyant member may be made of polyethylene, such as extrudedpolyethylene.

In another general aspect there is provided a method for adjusting thebuoyancy of a fishing bobber. The method includes providing a buoyantmember, providing a stem guide, mounting the buoyant member to the stemguide and cutting the buoyant member. The buoyant member is made of amaterial capable of being severed by a cutting device. The buoyantmember has a first length, a lower end, and an upper end. The stem guideis configured to receive the buoyant member and a fishing line withfishing tackle.

The stem guide includes a cartridge receiving end and a fishing lineengaging end. The cartridge receiving end has a cartridge attachmentmeans configured for receiving and retaining the fishing cartridge tothe stem guide in a manner that permits the fishing cartridge to beremoved from the stem guide without causing an amount of damage to thestem guide which prevents the stem guide from being used again. Thefishing line engaging end is at an end of the stem guide that isopposite the cartridge receiving end and is configured for receiving afishing line through an opening in the receiving end. The opening isconfigured to limit the ability of the line to become separated from thestem guide while allowing the fishing line to pass through the stemguide.

The buoyant member is cut such that the buoyant member has a secondlength shorter than the first length, whereby the buoyant member is cutto a second length such that the buoyancy of the buoyant member when cutto a second length is enough to oppose the tendency of the stem guideand fishing tackle to submerse the buoyant member such that a topsurface of the cut buoyant member is adjacent to the surface of thewater when the stem guide, buoyant member, fishing line and any fishingtackle are placed in the water.

Embodiments of the method may include one or more of the followingfeatures. For example, the top surface of the cut buoyant member may beabove the surface of the water, below the surface of the water, orgenerally flush with the surface of the water.

The cartridge attachment means may be a prong and mounting the buoyantmember to the cartridge attachment means includes inserting the pronginto the buoyant member.

The method may further include mounting a visualization aid to thebuoyant member. Mounting a visualization aid to the buoyant member mayinclude inserting the visualization aid into the buoyant member. Thevisualization aid may be one or more of a viz stick and a light stick.The buoyant member may be polyethylene, such as extruded polyethylene.

In another general aspect, a fishing bobber system includes a stem guideand one or more replaceable cartridges mountable in the stem guide. Thestem guide includes an open end exposing an open cavity at one end andat an opposite end a first slot within the inside of the stem guide andpassing between opposite sides of the stem guide and connected to anouter surface of the stem guide by a second slot passing from the firstslot to the outer surface of the stem guide and configured to receive afishing line. The one or more replaceable cartridges are made of plasticfoam and configured to be inserted into and removed from the open cavityin the stem guide without damaging to the stem guide.

In another general aspect, a fishing bobber system includes a stem guideand one or more replaceable buoyant members mountable in the stem guide.The stem guide has a first end and a second end. The first end has asurface and a prong extending outwardly from the surface and at thesecond end a first slot passing through the stem guide between oppositesides of the stem guide and connected to an outer surface of the stemguide by a second slot passing from the first slot to the outer surfaceof the stem guide. The first slot and second slot are configured toreceive a fishing line. The one or more replaceable buoyant members havea first end, a second end and a longitudinal channel passing betweenopenings at the first end and the second end, are made of a plastic foamand configured to be inserted onto the prong of the stem guide andremoved from the prong without damaging the stem guide.

In another general aspect, a method of fishing includes providing afishing float and mounting the fishing float to a stem guide. Thefishing float has a first end, a second end and a longitudinal channelpassing between openings at the first end and the second end. Thefishing float is made of an extruded polyethylene foam, the fishingfloat being provided in a kit with multiple fishing floats.

In another general aspect, a fishing tackle stem guide is configured toreceive a replaceable fishing cartridge and a fishing line. The stemincludes a cartridge receiving end and a fishing line engaging end. Thea cartridge receiving end has a cartridge attachment means configuredfor receiving and retaining the fishing cartridge to the stem guide in amanner that permits the fishing cartridge to be removed from the stemguide without causing an amount of damage to the stem guide whichprevents the stem guide from being used again. The fishing line engagingend is at an end of the stem guide that is opposite the cartridgereceiving end and is configured for receiving a fishing line through anopening in the receiving end, the opening being configured to limit theability of the line to become separated from the stem guide whileallowing the fishing line to pass through the stem guide.

Embodiments of the stem guide may include one or more of the followingfeatures. For example, the cartridge attachment means may include a baseand at least one prong extending from the base. The prong may be asurface configured to restrain removal of the cartridge from the prong.The surface may include protrusions extending outwardly from the prong.

The stem guide may further include a wall encircling at least a portionof the base to define a channel configured to receive the cartridge whenthe cartridge is mounted to the prong.

The stem guide may include a textured surface at the cartridge receivingend for gripping the stem guide to attach to or remove the cartridgefrom the stem guide.

The cartridge attachment means may include a channel defined by a wallhaving an inner surface with protrusions extending from the innersurface into the channel. In this manner, inserting a cartridge into thechannel results in an interference fit between the cartridge and theprotrusions.

The protrusions may include a threaded surface configured to receive acartridge having a threaded end. The threaded end of the cartridge maybe a tube positioned around an end of cartridge, the tube having a walldefining a channel for receiving the cartridge, the wall having aninternal surface and an external surface and the threaded end of thecartridge comprising threads on the external surface. The threads on theexternal surface of the tube may be configured to be threadably matedwith the threaded surface of the stem guide.

The cartridge receiving end may include a magnet such that mounting acartridge having a magnet to the cartridge receiving end will cause thecartridge to be magnetically mated to the stem guide.

The cartridge receiving end may include a base, multiple flaps extendinglongitudinally from the base to form a channel, and a ring in contactwith the flaps and encircling at least a portion of the channel In thismanner the flaps have an inward bias such that a cartridge inserted intothe channel will be retained within the channel by at least aninterference fit between the cartridge and the flaps.

The multiple flaps may have an inner surface defining the channel and atleast one of the flaps may have an inner surface from which one or moreprotrusions extend into the channel.

The stem guide may further include a cartridge configured to beremovably attached to the stem guide. The cartridge may be one or moreof a float, light stick, scent stick and combinations thereof.

The stem guide may further include a fishing line engaging end forreleasably engaging a fishing line.

In another general aspect there is provided a fishing kit that includesat least one stem guide, as described above, and one or more cartridgesconfigured to be removably attached to the stem guide. The stem guideincludes a cartridge receiving end having a cartridge attachment meansfor attaching the cartridge to the stem guide in a manner that thecartridge can be removed from the stem guide without causing an amountof damage to the stem guide which prevents the stem guide from beingused again. The one or more cartridges comprise an attachment endconfigured to be removably attached to the cartridge attachment means ofthe stem guide.

Embodiments of the fishing kit may include one or more of the followingfeatures or those described above with respect to the stem guide. Forexample, the cartridge may include one or more of a float, light stick,scent stick and combinations thereof. The stem guide may further includea fishing line engaging end for releasably engaging a fishing line.

In another general aspect there is provided a method of attaching andremoving a fishing cartridge on a fishing stem guide. The methodincludes providing at least one stem guide as described above, providingone or more cartridges, mounting the cartridge to the stem guide andremoving the cartridge from the stem guide. The stem guide includes acartridge receiving end having a cartridge attachment means forattaching the cartridge to the stem guide in a manner that the cartridgecan be removed from the stem guide without causing an amount of damageto the stem guide which prevents the stem guide from being used again.Each cartridge includes an attachment end configured to be removablyattached to the cartridge attachment means of the stem guide. Mountingthe cartridge to the stem guide includes mounting the attachment end ofthe cartridge to the cartridge attachment means of the stem guide.Removing the cartridge from the stem guide includes separating theattachment end of the cartridge from the attachment means of the stemguide, wherein the cartridge is removed from the stem guide withoutcausing an amount of damage to the stem guide which prevents the stemguide from being used again.

Embodiments of the method of using the stem guide and replaceablecartridge may include one or more of the following features or thosedescribed above with respect to the stem guide. For example, the methodmay further include mounting a second cartridge to the stem guide afterthe first cartridge has been removed. The cartridge may include one ormore of a float, scent stick, light stick and combinations thereof.

In another general aspect, a replaceable fishing cartridge for attachingto a stem guide includes a generally tubular member having a first endand a second end, the first end having an attachment means for attachingthe cartridge to the stem guide in a manner that the cartridge can beremoved from the stem guide without causing an amount of damage to thestem guide which prevents the stem guide from being used again.

Embodiments of the replaceable fishing cartridge may include one or moreof the features described above or following. For example, the cartridgeincludes one or more of a float, light stick, scent stick andcombinations thereof.

The stem guide, replaceable cartridges, kit and method of use the stemguide and replaceable cartridges offers advantages to the angle.Traditionally an angler must remove the fishing line from the float,light stick or scent stick and attach a new float, light stick or scentstick to the fishing line. The stem guide, replaceable cartridges, kitand method may permit the angler to merely remove, for example, onefloat and replace it quickly with a second float that is more suitablefor the need at hand. This convenience also can be accompanied by theability to have a high quality stem guide that can be used with a rangeof floats, e.g., that vary by length, color, diameter, weight, etc. tocover most fishing conditions. The stem guide, replaceable cartridges,kit and method offer similar convenience to scent stick and light stickcartridges.

The cartridge attachment means may be a prong and mounting the buoyantmember to the cartridge attachment means includes inserting the pronginto the channel in the buoyant member, whereby at least portions of aninner diameter of the channel are increased when the prong is insertedinto the buoyant member and the compressive force of the buoyant memberagainst the prong retains the buoyant member to the prong.

The cartridge attachment means may include an open cavity in the stemguide and mounting the buoyant member to the cartridge attachment meansincludes compressing an outer diameter of the buoyant member, insertingthe buoyant member into the open cavity, and releasing the outerdiameter of the buoyant member from compression to allow the buoyantmember to expand against the open cavity.

In another general aspect, a fishing bobber system includes a stem guideand one or more replaceable buoyant members mountable in the stem guide.The stem guide has a first end and a second end. The first end has asurface and a prong extending outwardly from the surface and at thesecond end a first slot passing through the stem guide between oppositesides of the stem guide and connected to an outer surface of the stemguide by a second slot passing from the first slot to the outer surfaceof the stem guide. The first slot and second slot are configured toreceive a fishing line.

The one or more replaceable buoyant members having a first end, a secondend and a longitudinal channel passing between openings at the first endand the second end, being made of a plastic foam and configured to beinserted onto the prong of the stem guide and removed from the prongwithout damaging the stem guide. At least a portion of an inner diameterof the channel is increased when the prong is inserted into the channelin the buoyant member and the compressive force of the buoyant memberagainst the prong retains the buoyant member to the prong.

Embodiments of the fishing bobber may include one or more of thefeatures described herein or one or more of the following features. Forexample, the plastic foam may be an extruded closed cell polyethylenefoam. The channel through the plastic foam buoyant member may be closedalong a portion of the length of the plastic foam when the prong is notinserted into the channel The fishing bobber may further includemultiple buoyant members in a separate package.

In another general aspect a method of fishing includes providing afishing float and mounting the fishing float to a stem guide. Thefishing float has a first end, a second end and a longitudinal channelpassing between openings at the first end and the second end. Thefishing float is made of an extruded polyethylene foam. The fishingfloat is provided in a kit with multiple fishing floats. Mounting thefishing float to the stem guide includes changing the inner or outerdiameter of the fishing float and the fishing float is retained to thestem guide solely or partially by a force exerted by the fishing floatagainst the stem guide.

Embodiments of the method may include one or more of the featuresdescribed herein or one or more of the following features. For example,the method may further include providing additional fishing floats withthe stem guide or separately from the stem guide.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is front view, partially in section, showing the fishing tacklestem guide for temporarily attaching a fishing line thereto;

FIG. 1A is a fishing tackle stem guide with for temporarily attaching afishing line thereto and with dual stem cups;

FIG. 2 shows the fishing tackle stem guide of FIG. 1 with a light sticktherein;

FIG. 3 shows the fishing tackle stem guide of FIG. 1 with a scent sticktherein attached to a fishing line;

FIG. 4 shows the fishing tackle stem guide of FIG. 1 as a kit with anadhesive to allow a person to secure the fishing tackle stem guide tovarious types of fishing tackle;

FIG. 5 shows a prior art slip bobber partially in cross section;

FIG. 6 shows the stem guide of FIG. 4 secured to the end of the stem ofthe prior art float of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a partial view of the rod in the fishing tackle stem guideof FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a side view of another embodiment of fishing tackle stemguide secured to fishing line;

FIG. 10 shows a top view of the fishing tackle stem guide of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows the fishing tackle stem of FIG. 9 formed as an integralportion of a slip bobber;

FIG. 12 shows a side view of a portion of slotted stem in fishing tacklestem guide of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12A shows a top view of the slotted stem of FIG. 12;

FIG. 13 shows a top view of a sleeve that fits around the slotted stemof FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows a bottom view of the sleeve of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 15 shows an assembled top view of the stem of FIG. 12 and thesleeve of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a multi-season stem guide in which a springis compressed upwardly for fixed bobber fishing.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the multi-season stem guide in which a springis compressed downwardly for winter slip bobber fishing.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the multi-season stem guide showing across-sectional view of a channel passing through the stem guide.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the multi-season stem guide of FIG. 16showing a float attached to the stem guide.

FIG. 20 is a front view of the multi-season stem guide of FIG. 19configured for fixed bobber fishing.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the multi-season stem guide of FIG. 19configured for winter slip bobber fishing.

FIG. 22 is a front view of the multi-season stem guide of FIG. 19configured for summer slip bobber fishing.

FIG. 23 is a front view of a second implementation of a multi-seasonstem guide.

FIG. 24 is a front view of a third implementation of a multi-season stemguide.

FIG. 25 is a front view of a fourth implementation of a multi-seasonstem guide.

FIG. 26 is an exploded assembly view of a multi-season stem guide andstick bobber.

FIGS. 27 and 28 are perspective and front views respectively, showingthe alignment of the stem cup to the elongated rod.

FIG. 29 is a side view of the elongated rod.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view of the elongated rod of FIG. 29taken along section lines AA.

FIG. 31 is a perspective, cut away side view of the elongated rod ofFIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is a perspective side view of the elongated rod of FIG. 29showing the increase in channel diameter.

FIG. 33 is a front view of a stem guide and a fishing article forinserting into an open end of the stem guide.

FIG. 34 is a top view of the stem guide of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a front hidden line view of a stem guide and a removable andreplaceable cartridge.

FIG. 36 is a side view of the stem guide and replaceable cartridge ofFIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a cross sectional front view of the stem guide andreplaceable cartridge of FIG. 35 taken along section lines 37-37.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the stem guide of FIG. 35 and acartridge attachment means for replaceably attaching a cartridge to thestem guide.

FIGS. 39-41 are front, side and cross-sectional side views,respectively, of a second implementation of a stem guide and removableand replaceable cartridge.

FIGS. 42-44 are front, side and cross-sectional side views,respectively, of a third implementation of a stem guide and removableand replaceable cartridge.

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional side view of the stem guide of FIGS. 42-44.

FIG. 46 is an enlarged view of the cross-sectional side view of the stemguide taken at enlarged section 46 of FIG. 45.

FIGS. 47-49 are front, side and cross-sectional side views,respectively, of a fourth implementation of a stem guide and replaceablecartridge using magnetic attraction.

FIGS. 50 is an enlarged view of the stem guide and replaceable cartridgeof FIGS. 47-49 taken at enlarged section 50 of FIG. 49.

FIGS. 51-53 are front, side and cross-sectional side views,respectively, of a fifth implementation of a stem guide and replaceablecartridge using a prong to retain the cartridge to the stem guide.

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional side view of the stem guide of FIGS. 51-53.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the stem guide of FIGS. 51-53.

FIGS. 56-58 are front, side and cross-sectional side views,respectively, of a sixth implementation of a stem guide and replaceablecartridge using a prong to retain the cartridge to the stem guide.

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional side view of the stem guide of FIGS. 56-58.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the stem guide of FIGS. 56-58.

FIGS. 61-63 are side, cross-sectional front and front views,respectively, of a seventh implementation of a stem guide andreplaceable cartridge using a prong to retain the cartridge to the stemguide.

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the stem guide of FIGS. 61-63.

FIGS. 65-67 are front, side and cross-sectional front views,respectively, of a eighth implementation of a stem guide and replaceablecartridge.

FIGS. 68 and 69 are perspective front and side views of the stem guideof FIGS. 65-67.

FIG. 70 is cross-sectional side view of the stem guide of FIG. 69 takenalong section line 70.

FIG. 71 is a top view of the stem guide of FIGS. 68 and 69.

FIG. 72 is a front view of a modified stem guide configured to removablyreceive a replaceable cartridge.

FIGS. 73 a-c are front views of three replaceable cartridges havingdifferent shapes.

FIGS. 74 a-c are perspective view of a modified stem guide forreplaceable cartridges having an eyelet for retaining a fishing line.

FIGS. 75 a-c and 76 are side views of a modified stem guide forreplaceable cartridges having a hook and sleeve for retaining a fishingline.

FIG. 77 a is a front view of a stem guide having an adjustable buoyantmember mounted to the stem guide.

FIG. 77 b is a perspective view of an adjustable buoyant member.

FIG. 77 c is a front view of the stem guide and adjustable buoyantmember of FIG. 77 a in which the buoyant member has been cut and afishing line with fishing tackle has been mounted to the stem guide.

FIGS. 77 d-g are end views showing additional configurations of theadjustable buoyant member of FIG. 77 a.

FIG. 78 is a flow chart describing a method of using the stem guide withadjustable buoyant member of FIG. 77 a.

FIG. 79 a is a front view of a single stem fishing float assembly forslip and fixed bobber fishing.

FIG. 79 b is a front view of the disassembled components of the fishingfloat assembly of FIG. 79 a.

FIG. 79 c is an enlarged view of a pair of line shoulders and spring ata lower end of the stem of FIG. 79 a.

FIG. 80 a is a front view of a dual stem fishing float assembly for slipand fixed bobber fishing.

FIG. 80 b is a front view of the disassembled components of the fishingfloat assembly of FIG. 80 a.

FIGS. 80 c is a cross-sectional side view of the fishing float assemblyof FIG. 80 a.

FIGS. 80 d and e are top and bottom views, respectively, of the fishingfloat assembly of FIG. 80 a.

FIG. 80 f is an enlarged view of a pair of line shoulders and spring ata lower end of the stem of FIG. 80 a.

FIG. 81 a is a front view of a single stem fishing float assembly forslip and fixed bobber fishing.

FIGS. 81 b and c are top and bottom views, respectively, of the fishingfloat assembly of FIG. 81 a.

FIGS. 81 d is a cross-sectional side view of the fishing float assemblyof FIG. 81 a.

FIG. 81 e is an enlarged view of a pair of line shoulders and spring ata lower end of the stem of FIG. 81 a.

FIG. 81 f is a front view of the disassembled components of the fishingfloat assembly of FIG. 81 a.

FIGS. 83 a-f are views of a fishing float assembly that permits summerand winter slip bobber fishing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is front view, partially in section, showing a molded fishingtackle stem guide 10 for temporarily attaching a fishing line thereto.Stem guide 10 includes an elongated rod 11 having a stem connector 12 onone end and a line stop 10 a on the other end with the line stop 10 aincluding an annular spring stop 13 on the opposite end. Line stop 10 aincludes a first L shaped line shoulder 11 a for engaging a fishing lineand a second circular line shoulder 11 b for engaging fishing line thatis inserted therethrough. Both line shoulders are characterized byhaving rounded corners by molding the stem connector 12 rather thanextruding the stem connector 12 to thereby avoid sharp edges found withextruded articles that can cut or abrading the fishing line. The moldedrounded shoulder 11 a on the rod 11 is illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8by reference numerals 11 b, 11 c, 11 d and 11 e which show the radiusedrather than abrupt corners where the fishing line rests on when thefishing line is held in a fixed condition in the line stop 10 a.

A sleeve comprising a cylindrical compression spring 14 is retained onrod 11 by the stem connector 12 and the annular spring stop 13 to enablea fishing line to be restrained from sliding along the line shoulder 11a or 11 b by the frictional engagement of the line between the sleeve 14and the rod 11 as the line is held in a non linear condition within theconfines of the compression spring 14. This type of line stop withcompression spring and radiused shoulders is found as an integral partof the Lucky Jack™ Bobber sold by ROD-n-BOBB'S of Eau Claire Wis.

Extending axially through the stem guide 10 is a tube 15 or central lineguide that allows a fishing line to slide freely therethrough. A purposeof the tube or central line guide 15 is to allow the stem connector 12to be secured to a hollow stem of a slip bobber to convert the slipbobber to a fixed bobber.

In the embodiment shown the stem connector 12 forms an open-ended stemcup that has a large opening 16 a on one end and has a closed end 16 bpenetrated by the tube 15. The stem cup 12 has an inner cylindricalsecurement surface 16 that can be attached to the user's fishing tackleeither through a friction fit or a more permanent attachment using anadhesive, molding or the like. The stem connector 12 and the rod 11 aremolded from a polymer plastic such as Nylon or Polycarbonate to providea one-piece unit that together with the compression spring sleeve 14 canbe secured to any number of different types of fishing tackle byinsertion of a portion of the fishing tackle into the open-end 16 a ofstem cup 12. In the embodiment shown the stem cup 12 has an innerdiameter D₁ on the upper portion of the stem cup. If desired the stemcup can be provided with bands of different inner diameter on the upperportion of the stem cup to permit the stem cup to engage differentdiameter end sections on various types of fishing tackle. Thus the stemguide provides a means to secure various sizes of fishing tackle to afishing line. As one example, a float or a stem of a float can beinserted into the cup and adhered with an adhesive.

FIG. 1A shows another embodiment of the stem guide wherein the stemguide 10 is shown with a second stem cup 12′ having a base secured tothe stem guide 10 with the second stem cup 12′ identical to the stem cup10 and having an open end 16 a′ and a closed end 16 b′ with the centralpassage 15 extending therethrough. With the embodiment of FIG. 1A onecan attach two items to the fishing line. For example, one might attacha scent stick in one stem cup and a light stick in the other stem cup orone might have scent sticks or light sticks in both cups.

FIG. 2 illustrates the stem guide 10 connected to a commerciallyavailable light stick 20, which is often used in fishing floats or thelike. In the present application the stem guide 10 engages the sidewallsof the light stick to frictionally hold the light stick 20 therein whilethe spring 14 and stem 11 coact to form a line stop to hold the fishingline 21 thereto. When used in this manner the stem guide 10 enables afisherperson to know where the fishing line is located. Once the lightstick 20 is spent the light stick can be removed and replaced with afresh light stick. In addition the light stick 20 can be removed andreplaced with a light stick that generates a different colored lightthus giving the fisherperson the option of selecting the proper light.

FIG. 3 illustrates still another use of the stem guide 10 showing ascent stick 24 secured to the fishing line 10 with the scent sticklocated on the fishing line 25 and proximate the fish hook 26. A scentstick can comprise a stick of material that is an attractant to fish.The fisherperson can place the bait on the hook 26 and in addition canattach the stem guide 10 with the scent stick 24 proximate the fishinghook to act as an attractant to bring the fish to a position where itcan spot the bait on the hook 26. Thus the stem guide can be used tohold scent attractants proximate a hook on a fishing line.

A further use of the stem guide is to hold items such as buoy markers sothat one can mark off an area.

FIG. 4 shows a fisherperson's stem guide kit 30 that comprising atransparent envelope or pouch 32 having a stem guide 10 therein togetherwith a tube of an adhesive 31 having a cap 31 a thereon. To use the kit30 the user opens pouch 30 and removes the stem guide 10 and the tube ofadhesive from the pouch 30 and places a drop of adhesive from the tubeof adhesive 31 on the inside of the stem connector 12. To illustrate theuse of the stem guide kit reference should be made to FIG. 5 which showsa prior art extruded slip bobber 40 comprising a float 41 having ahollow upper stem 42 and a lower hollow stem 42 a with a fishing line 43slideable extending through the stems and the float.

Another popular prior art bobber is a fixed stick bobber. The fixedstick extruded bobbers generally have a solid stem and lack the holethrough the stem to enable the bobber to be used as a slip bobber. Inorder to reduce manufacturing costs the stick bobbers are extruded.Although the stick bobbers can be manufactured relatively inexpensivethe stick bobbers suffer when uses as a fixed bobber. That is, to makethe extruded bobber a fixed bobber a saw cut is made part way into thestem of the stick bobber. The saw cut is then used to hold the line toprevent the line from slipping. Unfortunately, the saw cut in the stemof the bobber has sharp edges which can cause the fishing line to break.To alleviate the problem of line weakening while maintaining low cost inbobber manufacture the molded stem guide 10 of the present invention canbe incorporated onto the existing stem of a fixed bobber or slip bobberto a line-friendly bobber. While the stem guide 10 is shown in use withthe slip bobber 40, the stem guide can also be used with a fixed bobber.For example, one may want to eliminate the saw cut on the fixed bobberand replace an end portion of the stem with the stem guide 10 having therounded line shoulders obtainable by molding to thereby placing a linefriendly line stop on the fixed bobber.

FIG. 6 shows the prior art conventional extruded slip bobber 40 that hasbeen converted to a combination slip bobber/fixed bobber during afishing outing by the placement of the stem cup 12 of the stem guide 10on the end of the lower hollow stem 42 a of the fishing bobber 40 byengaging the sidewalls 16 of the stem cup 12 with the outer surface ofthe lower stem 42 a. By use of an adhesive or the like the user hasfixedly secured the stem guide 10 to the fishing float 40 thus makingthe slip bobber 40 a combination slip bobber/fixed bobber. A feature ofthe present invention is that it reduces the cost of making a fishingbobber that is not harsh on the fishing line. Conventional bobbers aregenerally formed through an extrusion molding process and sawing processthat result in sharp edges that can abrade the fishing line during use.To mold the bobber and the line stop in one piece increases the cost ofthe bobber; however, by molding only the stem guide which holds thefishing line 43 and the fishing bobber 40, and then securing the stemguide to the stem of a stick float one can create a fishing bobber thatis not harsh on the fishing line but one can also reduce the cost ofmaking the fishing bobber since the costs of molding an entire fishingbobber is more costly than molding only the stem guide for the bobber.Thus the bobber comprises two distinct portions: an extruded bodyportion and a molded end portion that can hold the fishing line in amanner that inhibits or prevents abrasion of the fishing line. By moldedit is meant that the surfaces can be formed by allowing the moltenplastic to set within the confines of a mold. Consequently, one canintroduce smooth surfaces into the article and thus avoid sharp edgesthat are inherent in an extrusion process.

As shown in FIG. 6 the fishing line 43 extends through the hollow tubeand through the stem guide 10 and can be temporarily secured to the stem11 though the compression spring 14 thus providing fixed bobberoperation. Thus, the kit 30 can convert a slip bobber to a fixed linebobber but more significantly the operation can on-the-go provide a slipbobber with a line stop that does not weaken or cut the fishing line.That is, by inserting the inner surface 16 into engagement with theexterior cylindrical surface of the hollow stem 42 a one can fasten thestem guide 10 to available slip bobbers. A further use of the stem guide10 is that even with fish slip bobbers/fixed bobbers that have a harshline stop such as a saw cut stem one can replace a harsh line stop withthe stem guide 10 with the radiused corners by severing the end of thestem in the float that contains the saw cut and securing the stem guide10 to the float stem to reduce line abrasion.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a fishing tackle stem guide 60.Fishing tackle stem guide 60 includes a molded stem connector 52 on oneend and a molded line stop 60 a on the opposite end for temporarilysecuring fishing line thereto. Fishing tackle stem guide 60 includes astem connector 52 having an inner cylindrical surface 52 a forconnecting to a fishing float, a scent stick, a light stick or othertypes of fishing tackle such as stem guide 10. A tube 55 extends axiallythrough a cylindrical rod 61 to enable the stem guide 60 to be attachedto an end of a slip bobber to convert the slip bobber to a fixed stopbobber. Rod 61 includes an annular end stop 62 that maintains acylindrical sleeve 51 in a working relationship with stem 61 althoughother methods of holding the sleeve 51 on the rod such as by pining oradhesively securing the sleeve thereto could be used.

The line stop stem rod 61 is shown in isolated side view in FIG. 12 andin an isolated top view in FIG. 12A revealing the lip 63 that has beenformed in stem rod 61 with the lip projecting a distance “h” above thestem rod 61. Lip 63 has an undersurface 61 b and a shoulder 61 a thatforms a v-shaped groove that allows a fishing line to be wedged betweenundersurface 61 b and shoulder 61 a by axially pulling the fishing linetoward the annular end 62. To illustrate the wedging action, a fishingline 59 is shown in a wedged condition in FIGS. 12 and 12A.

FIG. 9 shows the stem rod 61 of line stop 60 a including a cylindricalsleeve 51 having an edge 53 defining an opening in the sleeve thatexposes the upward projecting line lip 63. Line lip 63 projects adistance “h” above the rod 61 to enable a fishing line 59 to be slidaxially along the stem connector 52 toward the annular end stop 62 andin doing so cause the fishing line to be guided under the lip 63 andonto the shoulder 61 a under the lip 63 where the fishing line issecured therein by the coaction of the undersurface 61 b and theshoulder 61 a. Once the fishing line engages the shoulder 61 a thefishing line 59 is wrapped partially around the rod by slipping thefishing line between the sleeve 51 and the rod 61 and then out theL-shaped line shoulder 54 in sleeve 51 as shown in FIG. 9. Thus, the endportion forms a first ear 58 that enables the fishing line 59 to be heldaround a portion of rod 61. Similarly, the opposite side of sleeve 51includes an ear 58 a (see FIG. 13), which allows the fishing line 59 tobe held around a further portion of rod 61. The use of a molded stemguide allows one to make rounded shoulder on the line stop so as tominimize abrasion to the fishing line. A further feature of theembodiment of FIG. 9 is that the line stop is all plastic and includesno metal springs so as to further reduce line abrasion. Thus, thefishing line 59 is wedged beneath the lip 63 and extends at leastpartially around the elongated rod 61 and the sleeve includes a set ofears 58 and 58 a to hold the fishing line beneath the lip with the lipspaced from an line shoulder or eye 54 in the sleeve 51 and an identicalline shoulder or eye in the opposite side of sleeve 51 to hold thefishing line 59 in an offset condition to prevent slippage of thefishing line therein.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show an isolated view of the cylindrical sleeve 51showing the V shaped edge 53 that forms an opening therein to allowsprojection of the lip 63 therethrough as well as the ears 58 and 58 athat extend around rod 61 to hold a fishing line therebetween in anonlinear condition so that a pulling force on the line brings thefishing line into wedged engagement between surface 61 b and shoulder 61a.

FIG. 9 shows the fishing line 59 is held a spaced distance x from thebottom of the v-shaped grove between lip 63 and shoulder 61 a so that apulling force on line 59 causes the fishing line to be pulled tighterinto the v-shaped groove thus inhibiting or preventing the fishing linefrom sliding in the line stop 60 a.

FIG. 15 shows an isolated top view of the sleeve 51 and rod 61 with theline 59 held between the inner surface of sleeve 51 and the outersurface of rod 61 to maintain line 59 in the wedged condition betweensurface 61 b and shoulder 61 a. That is, by having the line held aroundthe rod 61 by the ears 58 and 58 a it causes the fishing line to bewedged between the surface 61 b and shoulder 61 a to frictionally holdthe line in position beneath the lip 63 as a pulling force is applied tothe fishing line. Thus, the embodiment of FIG. 9 eliminates the pointcontact on the fishing line found in line stops with springs since thecontact with the fishing line in the line stop of FIG. 9 is over anextended area under lip 63 and between the rod 61 and the sleeve asillustrated in FIGS. 9 and 15. Thus the embodiment of FIG. 9 allows oneto hold a fishing line therein through elimination of the spring asshown in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 shows a lighted fishing slip bobber, which contains a lightsource therein (not shown) with the line holder 60 shown in FIG. 9integrally formed to bobber 70. In this embodiment of the lightedfishing bobber the line stop of FIG. 9 has been integrally formed ontothe end of the bobber 70. Bobber 70 is a slip bobber and includes a tube71 with a line 72 extending therethrough. Although the lighted bobber 70is a slip bobber the bobber 70 can also function as a fixed line bobbersince the cylindrical sleeve 60 and the rod 61 coact to frictionallygrip the line as illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 9. Thusin the embodiment of FIG. 11 the use of a compression spring as thesleeve has been eliminated with the use of the line stop of FIG. 9.

The invention includes a method of securing an item of fishing tackle toa fishing line by engaging a first end of a stem connector 10 or 60 withan item of fishing tackle and inserting a fishing line into a line stopon the second end of the stem connector to secure a fishing line theretoto thereby secure both the stem connector and the item of fishing tackleto the fishing line. For example, if one engages the stem connector 10or 60 with an end of a slip bobber 40 as shown in FIG. 5 one can providefixed bobber operation to the slip bobber. If desired, one canintegrally form the stem connector 60 to a slip bobber as shown in FIG.11 to provide fixed bobber operation of the slip bobber.

The invention also includes a method of inserting a fishing line into aline stop of the fishing tackle line guide of FIG. 9 by extending afishing line between an outer surface of a rod in the line stop and aninner surface of a sleeve 51 on the rod to secure the fishing linetherebetween as well as extending the fishing line beneath a lip 63 onthe line stop 60 a to at least partially secure the fishing linetherein.

Further methods of attachment include the step of securing a light sticka scent stick or other items of fishing tackle to a stem cup in the stemconnector. In addition if desired the stem cup could be a rod or thelike to provide a male fitting rather than a female fitting.

The inventor also has developed a multi-season fishing tackle stem guidethat is configured for one or more of winter slip fishing, summer slipfishing, and fixed fishing. The stem guide has a line stop system thatcan be varied to permit one or more of the following: (a) position thefishing line within a first opening or shoulder that is used for fixed,e.g., fixed bobber, fishing, (b) position the fishing line within asecond opening or shoulder that is used for winter slip, e.g., slipbobber, fishing, and (c) position the fishing line within a thirdopening that is used for summer slip, e.g., slip bobber, fishing.References herein to slip or fixed bobber fishing also should beinterpreted to be understood to include slip of fixed fishing with alight stick, scent stick and the like because the stem guide can beattached to fishing articles other than a bobber.

The stem guide is configured to permit winter slip bobber fishing bypositioning the fishing line under the water when the stem guide is inthe water such that freezing air does not cause water on the line tofreeze the line against a surface on the bobber. Because the fishingline will pass through and be positioned within the stem guide entirelyunder the water, the fishing line will not freeze against a surface ofthe bobber. The stem guide is configured to do this by causing thefishing line to be positioned in a slot or opening that is not enclosed,surrounded or otherwise in frictional contact by a sleeve, spring orcompression means during winter slip bobber fishing. In someimplementations, the sleeve may be compressed in one lengthwisedirection for one type of fishing and compressed in an oppositedirection for another type of fishing.

The stem guide offers other advantages, as described in part withrespect to FIG. 1. The stem guide includes an elongated rod with one ormore shoulders to receive a fishing line. In the prior art fishingbobbers the angler had limited options to have an optimal fishingbobber. For summer slip bobber fishing, the stem of the fishing bobbertypically is an extruded tube through which an axial channel runs. Thefishing line passes through this channel for slip bobber fishing. Anadvantage of extruded tube is that it is relatively inexpensive toproduce. But this type of slip bobber fishing will not work attemperatures below freezing where the exposed portion of the lineextending out of the elongated rod and water will freeze to the rod.Further, to attempt to make this extruded tube useful for fixed bobberfishing requires cuts to be made into the tube to form shoulders toreceive the fishing line. These cuts are undesirable because they aresharp and can cut or weaken the line when the line is pulled against thesharp edge of the cut. Instead, some companies attempt to mold theelongated rod to contain the shoulders. A molded, full-length elongatedrod to use as a stem for a stick bobber is relatively expensive becauseeach piece is separately molded.

The multi-season fishing tackle stem guide for winter slip bobberfishing, summer slip bobber fishing, and fixed bobber fishing differsfrom the stem guide of FIG. 1 generally by the inclusion of a meanssimilar to the shoulder for fixed bobber fishing. Instead of being usedfor fixed bobber fishing the means permits winter slip bobber fishingwithout the nicks and saws cuts that can damage a soft, flexible fishingline because the stem or elongated rod is molded to have smooth orradiused edges. In some embodiments, the molded rod has twoshoulders—each having smooth or radiused edges. In other embodiments,the molded rod has one shoulder that then extends into twoshoulders—each having smooth or radiused edges. For both embodiments,the molded rod may have a channel extending between both ends of therod. Because the rod is molded, the channel is not necessarily round orcentered along the central axis. The diameter of the channel should besufficiently large to permit a fishing line to easily pass through forsummer slip bobber fishing. The shoulders should be formed during themolding, e.g., injection molding, such that they are entirely orprimarily positioned within the solid portion of the rod. By placing thestem from a stick bobber into the stem cup, an angler can pass a fishingline into the bottom end of the channel in the elongate rod and into theaxial channel passing through the stick bobber, as shown in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 are front views of a multi-season fishing tacklestem guide 100 for temporarily attaching a fishing line. The stem guide100 includes an elongated rod 115 having a stem connector 120 on one endand a line stop system 125 on the other end. A channel 110 extends thelength of the elongated rod 115 and opens in the stem connector 120 toform a stem cup for receiving a fishing article. The channel is shown inFIG. 18 to illustrate the placement of the fishing line. The channel 110can be wider than illustrated in FIG. 18 and may vary in diameter overthe distance of the rod and stem connector. The line stop system 125includes a flange or annular sleeve stop 130 on one end and the stemconnector 120 on the opposite end. The line stop system 125 furtherincludes a first L shaped line shoulder 145, a second L-shaped lineshoulder 150 and an optional circular line shoulder 155. Each of theline shoulders are used to engage a fishing line that is inserted therethrough. Each line shoulder also has a smoothed or radiused edge withoutcuts or nicks and is configured to prevent damage to the fishing line.This generally is accomplished by making the rod using molding, e.g.,injection molding.

A sleeve 140 encircles at least a portion of the rod 115 and can bemoved along the length of the rod between the annular sleeve stop 130and the stem connector 120. The sleeve 140 may be a spring. A base 135of the stem connector 120 acts as an upper stop for the upper movementof the sleeve while the annular sleeve stop 130 acts as a lower stop ofthe downward movement of the sleeve. The stem connector 120 alsoincludes a pair of notched or cut out sections 175 that extend upwardfrom the base 135 and surrounds a portion 170 of the second L-shapedshoulder 150. The pair of notched sections 175 is used such that afishing line can pass freely through the rod 115 by entering one notchedsection 175 and passing out of the rod through a second notched section175.

In general, the sleeve 140 will extend the length of the rod between thestem connector 120 and the sleeve stop 130. In FIGS. 16 and 17, thearrows adjacent to the rod 115 are used to indicate the compression ofthe sleeve in one direction or the other. In FIG. 16 the sleeve 140 iscompressed up on the rod against the stem connector 120 such that thesleeve encircles a portion of the shoulder 150 while exposing theshoulders 145 and 155. However, the portion 170 of the shoulder 150remains unencircled by the sleeve because the sleeve cannot extendbeyond the base of the stem connector 120. In contrast to theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 16, in FIG. 17 the sleeve 140 iscompressed down on the rod against the annular sleeve stop 130 such thatthe sleeve encircles the shoulders 145 and 155 while exposing theshoulder 150.

By use of the shoulders 145 and 150, the multi-season fishing tacklestem guide 100 can be used for multiple types of bobber fishing, e.g.,slip bobber fishing, fixed bobber fishing, and multi-season fishing,e.g., summer fishing and winter fishing. In winter fishing where theoutside temperature is below freezing, the angler with a slip bobbermust ensure that the fishing line passing through the bobber does notbecome frozen against a surface of the bobber. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 18, if the fishing line was to pass through thelongitudinal channel 110 in the rod 115 and the stem connector 120, thewater on the line in the bobber above the water would freeze the line tothe channel 110 and prevent movement of the line in the channel. Tocounter this problem, the angler using the stem guide 100 in winter slipbobber fishing pulls the sleeve 140 down as illustrated in FIG. 17 andpasses a fishing line through the upper shoulder 165 and up into slotextension 170. Upon releasing the sleeve 140 such that it is extendedbetween the annular sleeve stop 130 and the base 135, the fishing lineis trapped within the notched section 175. In this position, the fishingline can slide through the slot portion 170.

It should be noted that the position of the channel 110 within the rodcan vary but generally will not be positioned such that the shoulders145 and 150 extend into the channel. However, in some embodiments, aportion of the shoulders may extend into the channel 110.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, to use the stem guide 100 in fixed bobberfishing, the sleeve 140 is pulled up and the fishing line is passed intothe lower shoulder 145. Upon releasing the sleeve 140 such that it isextended between the annular sleeve stop 130 and the base 135, thefishing line is trapped within the lower shoulder 145 and under thesleeve 140. Specifically, the fishing line passes between the annularsleeve stop 130 and the base of the sleeve 140 and then between thesleeve and the rod 115 before passing through the lower shoulder 145.The fishing line then passes out of the lower shoulder 145, between thesleeve and the rod, and finally between the sleeve stop 130 and the baseof the sleeve 140. In this configuration, the fishing line is trapped inplace and unable to slide through the lower shoulder 145.

Referring to FIG. 19, a fishing bobber rig 180 is assembled from thestem guide 100 attached to a foam stem 185 through which a channel 187passes. The channel 187 is in connection with the channel 110 in thestem guide 120 such that a fishing line can pass through the fishingbobber rig 180 if used for slip bobber fishing in warmer weather. Thesleeve 140 can be compressed downward to use the bobber for slip bobberfor slip bobber fishing in freezing weather or compressed upward to thebobber for fixed bobber fishing in the warmer weather. The foam stem 185can be replaced with other types of fishing components. For example, alight rod can be substituted for the foam stem. As described elsewhereherein, the foam stem 185 or light rod can be friction fit within thestem cup or held in place with an adhesive. Similar to the configurationillustrated in FIG. 6, the stem guide 100 can be attached to the stem ofa stick bobber. In general, the stem cup can be interfaced with anymating fishing article using a friction fit, adhesive or otherattachment means. In this manner, most fishing articles can be optimizedfor winter slip bobber fishing, summer slip bobber fishing and fixedbobber fishing merely by attaching them to the stem cup of the stemguide 100.

Referring to FIG. 20, the fishing bobber rig 180 is shown configured forfixed bobber fishing. To use the fishing bobber rig for fixed bobberfishing, the user compresses the sleeve 140 upwardly and passes afishing line 194 through the lower shoulder 145. Upon releasing thesleeve 140, the fishing line 194 is fixed in position against the rod115. When the user casts the fishing bobber rig 180, the interactionbetween the sleeve 140, rod 115 and fishing line 194 keeps the fishingbobber rig from sliding along the line 194.

Referring to FIG. 21, the fishing bobber 180 is shown configured forslip bobber winter fishing, in particular when the air temperature is ator below freezing and there is a need to prevent the water on thefishing line from freezing to a surface on the fishing bobber rig 180.To use the fishing bobber rig for slip bobber winter fishing, the usercompresses the sleeve 140 downwardly and passes a fishing line 194through the upper shoulder 165. Upon releasing the sleeve 140, thefishing line 194 is trapped in a slidable configuration within theportion 170 in the rod 115. When the user casts the fishing bobber rig180, the fishing bobber rig can slide along the line 194. For example tocast, the user reels in the fishing line until the hook or other fishingapparatus at the end of the line is adjacent to the bobber rig 180. Asillustrated in FIG. 21, a knot 196 is tied onto the fishing line 194.The knot 196 is of a size small enough to be reeled in and through theeyelets on the fishing rod (not shown) but large enough such that theknot will not pass through the shoulder 165 or the portion 170.

Upon casting out, the hook, weights or other gear attached to the end ofthe fishing line will sink into the water while the buoyancy of thefishing bobber keeps it floating on the surface. The fishing line 194will continue to pass through the portion 170 until the knot 196 reachesthe portion 170. Certain portions of the fishing bobber 180 will beabove the water line and other portions below the water line. Inparticular, the portion 170 will be positioned below the water surfacesuch that the fishing line 194 will not freeze against the bobber.

The use of the slip bobber configuration illustrated in FIG. 21 forwinter fishing can be contrasted against the slip bobber configurationillustrated in FIG. 22 for summer fishing. In FIG. 22, the fishing linepasses through the inner channels 110 and 185. When the user casts thefishing bobber rig 180, the fishing bobber rig can slide along the line194. For example to cast, the user reels in the fishing line until thehook or other fishing apparatus at the end of the line is adjacent tothe bobber rig 180. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the knot 196 is tied ontothe fishing line 194. The knot 196 is of a size small enough to bereeled in and through the eyelets on the fishing rod (not shown) butlarge enough such that the knot will not enter and pass through thechannels 110 and 185.

Upon casting out, the hook, weights or other gear attached to the end ofthe fishing line 194 will sink into the water while the buoyancy of thefishing bobber 180 keeps it floating on the surface. The fishing line194 will continue to pass through the channels 110 and 180 until theknot 196 reaches the top of the bobber. Like the winter bobberconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 21, certain portions of the fishingbobber 180 will be above the water line and other portions below thewater line. Unlike winter fishing, in summer fishing there is no concernthat the water on the fishing line will freeze to the bobber. If theconfiguration in FIG. 22 was to be used in winter fishing where thetemperature is below freezing, the water on the line 194 would cause theline to freeze to the bobber at least along the top of the bobberbecause the top of the bobber would be exposed to the sub-freezingtemperatures.

As can be expected the stem guide 100 can be used to attach to fishingtackle other than a bobber. For example, the fishing tackle can be alight stick or a scent stick. The bobber, light stick or scent stick canbe attached to the stem guide 100 according to any of the methodsdescribed above, such as one or more of a friction fit, a twist lockattachment, or an adhesive.

Similarly, the stem guide 100 can be an integral part of any piece offishing tackle. The stem guide can be formed such that the stem cup orconnector is a portion of the bobber or float and a further stem extendsfrom the opposite end of the bobber or float. The stem guide 100 can bemanufactured such that a foam float portion of a bobber is slid alongthe elongated stem adjacent to the line shoulders. In other words, thestem guide 100 can be a separate piece that is an after marketattachment to an article of fishing tackle or it can be configured as anintegral part of an article of fishing tackle.

The principle of the multi-season stem guide 100, namely the ability toslip bobber fish and fixed bobber fish in any season using one bobber,can be applied in other configurations of a stem guide as well. Forexample, referring to FIG. 23, a multi-season stem guide 200 includes anelongated rod 215 having a stem connector 205 on one end and a line stopsystem 240 on the other end. The line stop system 240 includes a flangedor annular sleeve stop 230 on one end and the stem connector 205 on theopposite end. A sleeve (not shown) is in compression between the annularsleeve stop 230 and a base 210 of the stem connector 205. As describedabove, the sleeve may be a spring or other compression means. The linestop system 240 further includes an upper L shaped line shoulder 220 anda lower L-shaped line shoulder 225. Each of the line shoulders are usedto engage a fishing line that is inserted there through. The annularsleeve stop 230 includes a notched or cut-out section 245 into which anextension 235 of the lower line shoulder 225 is positioned.

The stem guide 200 is used similarly to the stem guide 100 except thatthe upper shoulder 220 is used for fixed bobber fishing and the lowershoulder 225 is used for winter slip bobber fishing. Upon pulling thesleeve (not shown) down so that it is compressed against the sleeve stop230, the shoulder 220 is exposed and a fishing line can be placed withinthe shoulder. When the sleeve is released, the fishing line will enterand exit a space between the sleeve and the rod 215 adjacent to the base210 of the stem connector 205. The fishing line will be fixed inposition between the sleeve and the rod 215.

In contrast, for winter slip bobber fishing, the sleeve is pulled up sothat is compressed against the stem connector base 210 with the lowershoulder 225 exposed so that a fishing line can be placed within theshoulder. When the sleeve is released, the fishing line will be pusheddown within the shoulder extension 235 and surrounded by the notchedsection 245. Because the sleeve cannot extend all the way to the bottomof the extension 235, the fishing line can easily pass through theshoulder during winter slip bobber fishing. Of importance to winterfishing, when the bobber is in the water, the fishing line will bepositioned in or under the water so that it will not freeze against thebobber.

In another implementation of a multi-season stem guide, FIG. 24illustrates a multi-season stem guide 300 that includes an elongated rod315 having a stem connector 305 on one end and a line stop system 340 onthe other end. The line stop system 340 includes one or more sleevestops 345 in the proximity of one end and the stem connector 305 on theopposite end. A sleeve (not shown) is in compression between the sleevestops 345 and a base 310 of the stem connector 305. The line stop system340 further includes an upper L shaped line shoulder 320 and a lowerL-shaped line shoulder 325. Each of the line shoulders are used toengage a fishing line that is inserted there through. The sleeve stops345 are positioned adjacent to the lower line shoulder 325 such that aportion 335 of the lower line shoulder 325 extends past the sleeve stops345. In this manner, a sleeve around the rod 315 will not be able toextend past the sleeve stops 345.

The stem guide 300 is used similarly to the stem guide 200 with theupper shoulder 320 used for fixed bobber fishing and the lower shoulder325 used for winter slip bobber fishing. Upon pulling the sleeve (notshown) down so that it is compressed against the sleeve stops 345, theshoulder 320 is exposed and a fishing line can be placed within theshoulder. When the sleeve is released, the fishing line will enter andexit a space between the sleeve and the rod 315 adjacent to the base 310of the stem connector 305. The fishing line will be fixed in positionbetween the sleeve and the rod 315.

In contrast, for winter slip bobber fishing, the sleeve is pulled up sothat is compressed against the stem connector base 310 with the lowershoulder 325 exposed so that a fishing line can be placed within theshoulder. When the sleeve is released, the fishing line will pushed downwithin the shoulder extension 335 beyond the sleeve stops 345. Becausethe sleeve cannot extend all the way to the bottom of the extension 335,the fishing line can easily pass through the shoulder during winter slipbobber fishing. Of importance to winter fishing, when the bobber is inthe water, the fishing line will be positioned in or under the water sothat it will not freeze against the bobber.

In another implementation of a multi-season stem guide, FIG. 25illustrates a multi-season stem guide 400 that includes an elongated rod415 having a stem connector 405 on one end and a line stop system 440 onthe other end. The line stop system 440 includes a sleeve stop 430 atone end and the stem connector 405 on the opposite end. A sleeve (notshown) is in compression between the annular sleeve stop 430 and a base410 of the stem connector 405. The line stop system 440 further includesan L shaped line shoulder 425 that includes an upper portion 420 and alower portion 435. Each of the line shoulder portions are used to engagea fishing line that is inserted through the shoulder 425. The upperportion 420 extends to the proximity of, but above, a top edge 433 ofthe sleeve stop 430. The lower portion 435 extends into a notched orcut-out section 445 of the annular sleeve stop 430. In this manner, asleeve, such as a spring or other compression means, positioned aroundthe rod 415 will extend past and enclose the upper portion 420 but willnot be able to extend over the lower portion 430.

The stem guide 400 is used similarly to the above stem guides exceptthat the shoulder 425 is used for both fixed bobber fishing and winterslip bobber fishing. In particular, the fishing line is fed into theline shoulder 425 and then into the upper portion 420 used for fixedbobber fishing and the lower portion 435 for winter slip bobber fishing.Upon pulling the sleeve (not shown) up so that it is compressed againstthe stem connector base 410, the shoulder 425 is exposed and a fishingline can be placed within the shoulder. The fishing line then can beplaced within the upper extension 420 for fixed bobber fishing or thelower extension 435 for winter slip bobber fishing. For fixed bobberfishing, when the sleeve is released, the fishing line will enter andexit a space between the sleeve and the rod 415 adjacent to the top edge433 of the sleeve stop 430. The fishing line will be fixed in positionbetween the sleeve and the rod 415.

In contrast, for winter slip bobber fishing, when the sleeve is releasedthe fishing line will be pushed down within the lower extension 435 inthe notched section 445. Because the sleeve cannot extend all the way tothe bottom of the lower extension 435, the fishing line can easily passthrough the shoulder extension during winter slip bobber fishing. Ofimportance to winter slip bobber fishing, when the bobber is in thewater, the fishing line will be positioned in or under the water so thatit will not freeze against the bobber.

The assembly of one implementation of the stem guide 100 is illustratedin FIGS. 26-28. FIG. 26 is an expanded view of the stem guide 100 and astick bobber 500, such as a stem of a stick bobber, that illustrates thearrangement of the components of both the stem guide and the stem.Referring also to FIGS. 27 and 28, the elongated rod 115 includes one ormore alignment ridges 116 on its outside surface that are configured tomate within alignment grooves or slots 117 within the inner surface ofthe stem cup 120. In this manner, it is ensured that during assembly theextension 170 of the shoulder 150 and extension 170 will be properlyaligned with the cutout section 175 of the stem cup. This is importantto the reliable and consistent manufacture of the product because if theextension 170 of the shoulder and the cutout section 175 are notaligned, the stem guide may not function appropriately for slip bobberfishing.

Prior to mating the elongated rod 115 with the stem connector/cup 120,the sleeve 140 is placed over the rod. If not placed over the rod priorto assembly, the flange or stop 130 would prevent the sleeve fromsliding onto the rod. The rod and stem connector or cup can be adheredtogether using an adhesive or other adhering means, e.g., heat,interference fit, etc. Once the rod, stem connector and sleeve areassembled, an optional weight 118 may be inserted into the open end 119of the stem cup and adhered in position. Alternatively, anotherattachment method may be used to retain the weight within the stem cup.The weight 118 is useful when casting out with a fishing apparatus usingthe stem guide 100.

The assembled stem guide then may be combined with another piece offishing tackle, such as the stick bobber 500. As illustrated in FIG. 26,the stick bobber 500 includes a stem 505, a float 510, a marker 515 anda grommet 520. The stem 505 has a longitudinal channel that is alignedwith the channel 110 passing through the elongated rod so that a fishingline can be inserted into the elongated rod and passed into and throughthe longitudinal channel in the stem. The float 510 includes an internallongitudinal channel that receives the stem 505, and the two are heldtogether using an adhesive, an interference fit, or other mating methodknown in the art. The marker 515 and grommet 520 are mounted to theother end of the stem and the grommet mounted to the longitudinalchannel in the float with an adhesive, interference fit, etc. orcombination.

FIGS. 29-32 show in more detail the configuration of the elongated rodthat forms the stem of the stem guide. As noted above, the elongated rodincludes the internal longitudinal channel 110 that runs the length ofthe rod from a first open end to a second open end. The body of theelongated rod therefore can be divided between the channel and theremainder of the body, which is a solid portion 122. The diameter of thechannel 110 is sufficiently large such that it can receive a fishingline and have a negligible affect on the ability of the line to passthrough the channel, such as during casting or reeling in the line. Theshoulders are molded and positioned entirely or at least primarilywithin the solid portion 122 of the rod. This manufacturing processcauses the shoulders to be smooth, radiused or rounded so they can causeminimal damage to the fishing line inserted within the channel 110. Inaddition, because of the large percentage of the rod that is the solidportion 122, the strength of the rod is increased in comparison to asimilar extruded tube with a larger diameter channel.

Also of note in the configuration of the elongated rod 115 is thewidened end 123 of the channel 110 which is positioned within the stemcup. The channel diameter at that end 123 increases such that thefishing line passing through the rod 115 will more easily pass into thechannel in the stem of the attached stick bobber, light stick, scentstick, etc. The channel opening at the opposite end of the rod also mayhave an increased diameter relative to the majority of the length of thechannel, such as by having a flared opening. In this manner, the anglercan easily insert the line into the stem guide.

Referring to FIGS. 33 and 34, in another configuration a stem guideconsists of an elongated rod 550 that has a pair of line shoulders 565and 575 and multiple line stops 555 and 560. A movable sleeve (notshown), such as a spring, is positioned between the line stops 555 and560. Generally, the sleeve will be maintained in compression between theline stops 555 and 560. The line stops are arranged relative to the lineshoulders to permit fixed fishing and winter slip bobber fishing. Theline shoulder 575 is positioned entirely between the line stops 555 and560. In this manner, a fishing line positioned in the line shoulder 575would be compressed by the sleeve against a surface of the elongated rod550 such that the fishing line cannot move or slide through the lineshoulder 575 and thereby functions for fixed bobber fishing. Incontrast, the line shoulder 565 has an extension 570 that extends alongthe length of rod but on the opposition side of the line stop 555relative to the shoulder 565. Because of this configuration, the sleevecannot extend beyond the stops 555 and 560 and would not slide over theextension 570. In this manner a fishing line positioned within the lineshoulder 565 would be advanced by the sleeve into the extension 570 suchthat the fishing line can move or slide within the extension 570 andfunction for winter slip bobber fishing.

The elongated rod 550 also has a lumen 580 along its length to permitsummer slip bobber fishing. The lumen is oversized for purposes ofcarrying a fishing line but because of its diameter a fishing article,such as a light stick, scent stick or bobber stem 600, or part thereof,can be press fit or adhered within the lumen. With this configuration,the elongated rod also functions as a stem guide, but without the needto add a second part, i.e., the stem cup, and the elongated rod can beextruded or molded. If the rod is extruded, the line shoulders can becut into the rod and then radiused or smoothed. The line stops can bemounted using conventional means. Alternatively, if the rod is molded,the line stops and line shoulders can be molded at the same time. Theinjection molded rod also can be molded such that the line stops areconfigured to be flanges or ridges around all or part of the outercircumference of the rod. In either method, the sleeve can be placedover the line stops and be maintained in compression between the linestops.

To use the stem guide for fixed bobber fishing, the angler compressesthe sleeve up to expose the line shoulder 575 and passes the fishingline into the line shoulder. The angler then releases the sleeve to fixthe position of the fishing line in the shoulder 575. To use the stemguide for winter slip bobber fishing, the angler compresses the sleevedown to expose the line shoulder 565 and passes the fishing line intothe line shoulder. The angler then releases the sleeve to allow thefishing line to be forced into extension 570. Before or after theposition of the fishing line in the line shoulder is set, the angler canattach a fishing article to the stem guide by inserting the article intothe open end of the lumen. An adhesive may be used if desired. If theangler wishes to use the stem guide for summer slip bobber fishing, thefishing article should first be inserted into the stem guide and thenthe fishing line passed through the lumen in the fishing article and thelumen of the stem guide.

It is expected that the elongated rod can be extruded and the lineshoulders formed within the rod such that the edges are smoothed orradiused. The stem cup then can be mounted to the rod if necessary.Also, the elongated rod and stem cup can be molded as either a singlepiece or two separate pieces that later are joined. The stem guide maybe an integral part of a piece of fishing tackle, such as a bobber,light stick or scent stick.

The inventor also has developed a fishing stem guide and system thatpermits an angler to use a stem guide configured to allow a firstcartridge to be easily replaced with a second cartridge withoutdestruction to either the stem guide or the cartridge such that the stemguide or cartridge cannot be used again. The stem guide can beconfigured as the stem guides describe above, modified from thosedescribed above, or as follows to provide a replaceable cartridgefishing apparatus. The cartridge may be, for example, a float, a scentstick or a light stick. The float may be configured to receive a scentstick or a light stick. For example, the float may have an inner channelthat has at least one opening on an end into which the scent stick orlight stick can be inserted. The float may be configured to have anabsorbable pouch, surface or section that can be dipped or otherwisewetted with a fishing scent.

Referring to FIGS. 35-38, in one implementation a stem guide system 650includes a replaceable cartridge, such as a float 653, that is removablyattached to a stem guide 657 having a cartridge attachment means forattaching the cartridge to the stem guide. The float 653 includes anattachment means 655 positioned at one end of the float. In system 650,the attachment means 655 is a hollow tube having an exterior surfacewith threads 665. To mate the cartridge attachment means with theattachment means 655, the float 653 and attachment means 655 areinserted into an open end 660 of the stem guide such that the threads665 mate with threads 663 on an internal surface of the stem guide.

The float 653 can be attached to the attachment means 655 in a number ofmanners. The two can mate together merely through an interference fit.However, the interference fit can be augmented with an adhesive bondingbetween the outer surface of the float and the inner surface of theattachment means. In another attachment method, heat, an adhesive or asolvent can be used to bond or otherwise affix the attachment means tothe float.

The stem guide 657 is attached to a fishing line using a line attachmentmeans 667 or one of those otherwise described herein. Line attachmentmeans 667 is generally T-shaped with a slotted opening 672 in the stemguide connecting to a second slot 674 connecting to and extendinggenerally perpendicularly from the first slotted opening 672. In thismanner, a fishing line can be easily inserted into the first slottedopening and pulled into the second slot 674. When the fishing line iswithin the second slot, the line is unlikely to pass out of the secondslot into the first slotted opening 672 of its own accord. Thisconfiguration thereby ensures the fishing line remains positionedsecurely within the stem guide.

The stem guide 657 also includes a weight attachment means 670 thatincludes a narrow slot into the stem guide that terminates in a largerdiameter opening. The weight includes a line that is pulled through theslot into the larger diameter opening. This configuration also ensuresthat the weight remains positioned securely within the stem guide.

To use the stem guide system 650, the angler selects a float havingparticular characteristics, such as length, diameter, color, andpresence or absence of an internal channel passing through the length ofthe float. It is expected that the float 653 will be provided with theattachment means 655 already positioned around the float. The anglerthen threadably inserts the attachment means 655 into the cartridgeattachment means of the stem guide, including the threaded opening 660of the stem guide. The angler inserts the attachment means 655 into theopening 660 until the attachment means is firmly mated with the threadedopening of the cartridge attachment means. The angler then inserts thefishing line into the line attachment means 667 and proceeds to use thefloat in the water.

While the system 650 has been described with reference to a float 653,it should be understood that another type of apparatus may be used, suchas a light stick or scent stick, if desired.

Similarly, although system 650 has been described with reference to athreaded attachment means and a threaded cartridge attachment means,other configurations can be used to mate the cartridge and stem guide.For example, the attachment means can include protrusions and thecartridge attachment means can include channels such that theprotrusions are inserted into the channels and twisted in one directionto attach and the opposite direction to remove.

Referring to FIGS. 39-41, in a simplified version of the system 650, asystem 680 differs by the elimination of the threaded attachment means655. The system 680 includes the float 653 and stem guide 657 with thecartridge attachment means as used in the system 650. The stem guide 657has an open end 660 that has threads 663 on its inner surface. A fishingline can be inserted into either the line attachment means 667 or othermeans described herein.

To use the system 680, an angler selects a cartridge or float 653, whichis not attached to a threaded attachment means, and inserts the floatinto the open end 660 thereby mating the cartridge with the cartridgeattachment means. By pressing down or inserting in a downwardlythreading manner, the angler fixes the float within the stem guide 657.The threads 663 form an interference fit with the float to keep thefloat within the stem guide. To remove the float, the angler pullsoutwardly with or without a threading movement of the float relative tothe stem guide. The float can be used again at a later time and the stemguide can be used again to receive a float, bobber, scent stick, lightstick, or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 42-46, in another implementation of a stem guidesystem that permits replacement of the cartridge from the stem guide, astem guide 700 includes a cartridge attachment means that includes anattachment opening 703 into which the cartridge 653 is inserted. Theattachment opening is made up of multiple flaps 706 that extend from thestem guide along the longitudinal axis of the stem guide and form achannel 709 to receive the cartridge. The flaps 706 are configured to beresilient with an inward tendency or bias. An elastic band or ring 712,made up of any elastic or slightly elastic material such as rubber,plastic and metal for example, surrounds the outer surface, or a portionof the outer surface, of the flaps 706. In this configuration, when acartridge is inserted into the channel 709, the ring 712 restrains anoutward movement of the flaps. The ring 712 may be positioned within agroove 715 on the outer surface of the flap formed by a lip 718extending from the flap as one boundary, the flap itself as a secondboundary, and a ridge 721 as another boundary. The ridge 721 isconfigured such that the angler can slide the ring 712 over the ridgeand down the length of the flaps to allow the channel 709 to be openedwider, for example to insert or remove a cartridge.

Upon inserting the cartridge 653 into the channel 709, the angler thencan slide the ring 712 over the ridge 721 into the groove 715. When thering 712 compresses the flaps 706 against the cartridge, the flaps forman interference fit with the cartridge 653 to ensure the cartridge isretained in the channel 709 of the stem guide.

The flaps 706 optionally may include one or more projections orprotrusions 723 on an inner surface of each flap. When a cartridge isinserted into the channel 709 and the ring 712 put into position, theprojections 723 will be pressed into or against the cartridge. In thismanner, the projections 723 will further ensure that the cartridge isretained within the channel.

Referring to FIGS. 47-50, in another implementation of a stem guidesystem that permits replacement of the cartridge from the stem guide, astem guide 730 has a cartridge attachment means that includes an opening733 of a channel 735 into which the cartridge 653 is inserted. Thechannel 735 passes between the 733 opening and a base 737. The stemguide 730 includes a magnet 739 embedded within the base. The cartridge653 includes an attachment means 741 that is a portion of a hollow tubehaving an open end and a closed end at the opposite end. The closed endincludes a magnet 743 embedded within it to form the attachment means741. The cartridge 653 is mounted within the open end of the cartridgeattachment means. The cartridge may be mounted within the attachmentmeans 741 using an interference fit, heat, adhesive, solvent, mechanicalor other means. When the cartridge 653 and attachment means 741 areinserted into the cartridge attachment means, i.e., into the channel 735of the stem guide, the magnets 739, 743 are attracted thereby retainingthe attachment means and cartridge within the channel against the stemguide.

Referring to FIGS. 51-55, in another implementation of a stem guidesystem that permits removal and replacement of the cartridge from thestem guide, a stem guide 750 has a cartridge attachment means thatincludes an opening 753 of a channel 755 into which a cartridge 757 isinserted. The channel 755 is formed from a wall that defines thechannel. The channel passes between the opening 753 and a base 760. Aprong 763 extends outwardly from the base 760 through the opening 753.The prong 763 is configured to receive a cartridge having an internalchannel extending at least a portion of the length of the cartridge. Asillustrated in FIGS. 51-55, the cartridge 757 includes a longitudinalchannel 765 extending its entire length. The cartridge 757 is placedinto the opening 753 with the prong 763 inserted into the channel 765.To replace the cartridge 757 with a different cartridge, such as one ofa different length, color, shape, or purpose (e.g., float, light stick,scent stick), the angler merely pulls the cartridge out of the channel755 and off of the prong 763.

The prong 763 may optionally include a surface configured to restrainthe removal of the cartridge from the prong. As best illustrated inFIGS. 54 and 55, a portion of the length of the prong includes barbs orprojections 767 extending from the prong. When the cartridge 757 isinserted onto the prong, the barbs cause both an interference fit and aslight embedment into the cartridge to restrain removal of the cartridgefrom the prong. Although barbs are illustrated on the prong 763 of FIGS.51-55, another restraining means can be used, such as ridges, grooves,protrusions, a roughened surface, or a soft surface that conforms to thesurface of the channel in the cartridge to restrain the ability of thecartridge to fall off of the prong but yet permits the angler to removethe cartridge without damage to the prong or the cartridge. A smallamount of adhesive may be used to assist in retaining the cartridge tothe stem guide. The adhesive may be between the prong and the cartridge,between the channel wall 755 and the cartridge or between the base 760and the cartridge. In these configurations, the stem guide will not bedamaged upon removal of the cartridge such that the stem guide cannot beused again. However, it is possible that the cartridge will be damagedand unable to be used again.

Referring to FIGS. 56-60, in a modification of the stem guide 750, theopening into the channel of the stem guide is eliminated such that aprong for mounting a cartridge extends from an exposed base. The stemguide 770 of FIGS. 56-60 has a cartridge attachment means that includesa base 773 from which a prong 775 extends. The cartridge 757 is insertedover the prong 775 until an end of the cartridge rests against the base.The prong 775 may optionally include barbs or projections 777, asillustrated in FIGS. 56-60. When the cartridge 757 is inserted onto theprong, the barbs cause both an interference fit and a slight embedmentinto the cartridge to restrain removal of the cartridge from the prongof the cartridge attachment means. Although barbs are illustrated on theprong 775 of FIGS. 56-60, another restraining means can be used, such asan adhesive, ridges, grooves, protrusions, a roughened surface, or asoft surface that conforms to the surface of the channel in thecartridge to restrain the ability of the cartridge to fall off of theprong but yet permits the angler to remove the cartridge without damageto the prong or the cartridge. For example, a small amount of adhesivemay be used to assist in retaining the cartridge to the stem guide. Theadhesive may be between the prong and the cartridge or between the base773 and the cartridge. In this configuration, the stem guide will not bedamaged upon removal of the cartridge such that the stem guide cannot beused again. However, it is possible that the cartridge will be damagedand unable to be used again.

Referring to FIGS. 61-64, in a modification of the stem guide 750 and770, but applicable to the other stem guides described herein, a stemguide 780 includes a first end 783 for attaching a fishing line and aweight and a second end 785 from which a prong 787 extends. A surface789 of the stem guide is knurled or otherwise provided with a surfacearound the circumference of the stem guide such that the angler caneasily hold the stem guide to remove the cartridge, for example, by agripping the knurled surface and applying a turning motion to the stemguide relative to the cartridge while pulling the cartridge from thestem guide. Although FIGS. 61-64 illustrate a knurled or ribbed surface,any other surface may be applied or imparted that will provide an easilygripped surface. This surface will reduce the likelihood that the stemguide will slip in the angler's hands when the stem guide is still wetafter being pulled from the water with the intent of replacing thecartridge with a different cartridge. In this configuration, the stemguide will not be damaged upon removal of the cartridge such that thestem guide cannot be used again. However, it is possible that thecartridge will be damaged and unable to be used again.

Referring to FIGS. 65-71, in another implementation of a stem guide thatcan be used with a replaceable cartridge, a stem guide 800 has acartridge attachment means that includes an opening 803 into a channel805 for receiving a replaceable cartridge 807. The channel 805 is formedby a wall 810 that extends from a base 813. The wall 810 includesprojections or protrusions 815 that extend from an inner surface of thewall 810 into the channel 805. When the cartridge 807 is inserted intothe channel 805, the projections 815 restrict the ability of thecartridge to be removed from the channel, thereby retaining thecartridge 807 to the stem guide 800.

A variety of cartridge attachment means and attachment means have beendescribed. Other configurations are applicable as well. For example, thecartridge attachment means and attachment means can be made up of a hookand loop system, e.g., such as Velcro®. The stem guide can have acartridge attachment means that is made up of one part of a hook andloop system and the attachment means is made up of the other part of thehook and loop system. When the cartridge is attached to the stem guide,the cartridge attachment means mates with the attachment means.

In another configuration, the cartridge attachment means may beprotrusions that made with grooves in the attachment means. In anotherembodiment of this implementation, the cartridge attachment means may begrooves and the attachment means may be protrusions. In eitherembodiment, the cartridge may be inserted in a turning manner.

In another configuration, the cartridge attachment means may be a flapor flaps that include one or protrusions that mate with grooves or agroove within the attachment means of the cartridge. The flaps arepulled outwardly, the cartridge inserted into a channel formed by theflaps and the flap or flaps then released such that the protrusions areinserted into the grooves or groove. To remove the cartridge, the flapor flaps are pulled outward and the cartridge removed. In any of theseembodiments, an amount of adhesive may be used. Alternatively, theembodiments may be free of an adhesive to retain the cartridge to thestem guide.

The embodiments above showing a stem guide with a prong can beconfigured with the prong having threads on its outer surface and thecartridge having a threaded inner channel In this manner, the cartridgeis threadably attached to the prong and retained together in thatmanner. Any other known means that can be used to removably connect twoitems together.

While several particular forms of the invention have been illustratedand described, it will be apparent that various modifications can bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 72, the stem guides illustrated in FIGS.16-32 can be modified to receive a replaceable cartridge. FIG. 72illustrates a stem guide 830 that differs in part from those of FIGS.16-32 by a portion of the stem cup being removed and a prong 840extending from a surface 835 of the stem guide. As described above withrespect to FIGS. 51-64, the cartridge is removably inserted over theprong. In FIG. 72, arrow B indicates the direction of movement of thespring for inserting a fishing line into the stem guide 830. The stemguides of FIGS. 16-32 also can be modified according to the embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 35-71 and the other embodiments described but notillustrated above. The stem guide 830 may be a single piece component inwhich the stem guide and cartridge attachment means, e.g., the prong,may be injection molded or formed as a single piece. Alternatively, thestem guide may easily be formed from two or more pieces and assembled.In fact, the majority of the stem guides described above may be made assingle pieces, by injection molding for example, or assembled frommultiple pieces.

The replaceable cartridges can be of a variety of shapes, materials andconfigurations for mounting to the stem guide. For example, referring toFIG. 73 a, a replaceable cartridge 850 includes a float portion 853 andan attachment means 857 for mounting to the cartridge attachment meansof a stem guide. The float portion of the cartridge 850 is generallypear shaped such that when a fish takes the hook there will be a gradualincrease in resistance caused by the float. FIG. 73 a illustrates achannel 859 into which a prong 855 extending from a stem guide (notshown) would be inserted. The position of the prong 855 is illustratedin FIG. 73 a as if the cartridge 850 were mounted to the stem guidehaving a prong. The attachment means 857 can be configured to mount toany stem guide, for example by including a thread along its outsidesurface, a threaded surface on the channel 859 running the length of thecartridge and mating with a threaded prong on the stem guide, a surfacethat forms a friction fit with the inner channel of the stem guide, etc.The choice of materials for fabricating the cartridge can be aconventional material such as a plastic or foam, e.g., polystyrene,Styrofoam, polycarbonate, rubber, cork, polyethylene, balsam wood etc.The material can be selected for improving the attachment of thecartridge to the stem guide. The cartridge can be extruded or injectionmolded to have a lengthwise shape, such as slots or protrusions.Extruded polyethylene has been found to be particularly suitable as abuoyant cartridge.

It should be understood that in some configurations herein, the stemguide will not be damaged upon removal of the cartridge such that thestem guide cannot be used again. However, it is possible that thecartridge will be damaged and unable to be used again.

Referring to FIG. 73 b, a replaceable cartridge 860 includes a floatportion 863 and an attachment means 867 for mounting to the cartridgeattachment means of a stem guide. The cartridge attachment means of thestem guide may have a channel into which the attachment means 867 isinserted. The float portion of the cartridge 860 is elongated with atorpedo shape along its length. In this manner when a fish takes thehook there will be a gradual increase in resistance caused by the floatbeing pulled into the water. As described above, the attachment means867 can be configured to mount to any stem guide and the material can beselected for improved attachment of the cartridge to the stem guide.FIG. 73 b illustrates the cartridge 860 having a channel 869 forreceiving a prong (not shown) on a stem guide (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 73 c, in a modification of the replaceable cartridge860, a replaceable cartridge 870 does not include the elongatedattachment means 867 but instead includes an attachment means 877 thatis an end of a float portion 873. The attachment means 877 for mountingto a cartridge attachment means of a stem guide includes a channel 879that extends the length of the cartridge. In this configuration, theangler mounts the cartridge over a prong (not shown) extending from astem guide. As described above, the attachment means 877 can beconfigured to mount to any stem guide and the material can be selectedfor improved attachment of the cartridge to the stem guide.

Referring to FIG. 74 a, in a modification of the replaceable cartridgesdescribed above, a stem guide 900 includes a stem cup 902, an elongatedrod 904 and an eyelet or closed wire loop 906 at an end of the elongatedrod. Such eyelets or closed wire loops are more often used for fishingin Europe and other regions outside of the United States, than in theUnited States. The stem cup 902 has an open end 908 into which a floator other buoyant member is inserted. The cup 902 can be configuredaccording to the embodiments described above such that the float can beheld in place temporarily or permanently. For example, the float can beheld in place with an adhesive, a threaded interaction (e.g., FIGS.35-41), an elastic band (FIGS. 42-46), magnets (FIGS. 47-50), a prongwith barbs extending from the cup (e.g., FIGS. 51-55), or a friction fit(FIGS. 65-71). The stem guide will not be damaged upon removal of thecartridge such that the stem guide cannot be used again. However, it ispossible that the cartridge will be damaged and unable to be used again.

As further illustrated in FIG. 74 b, a stem guide 910 includes an end912 having a flat surface 914 from which a prong 916 extends. The prong916 includes barbs or protrusions 918. The prong is configured toreceive an article of fishing tackle or cartridge, such as a float,light stick or the like. The cartridge is pushed over the prong until itrests against the surface 914. A small amount of adhesive may be placedon the surface to better retain the cartridge to the stem guide. LikeFIG. 74 a, the stem guide also includes an elongated rod or stem 904having an eyelet or closed wire loop 906 at the end.

As further illustrated in FIG. 74 c, the stem guide 910 can be used forslip bobber fishing by passing a fishing line 920 through the eyelet906. A bobber stop 922 is placed on the fishing line to interact withthe eyelet and cause the line to stop passing or sliding through theeyelet. A cartridge 924, such as a float, is placed around the prong 916and held in place at least through the interaction between the barbs 918and an inner channel of the cartridge. The cartridge further includes aviz-stick 926 inserted into the channel I the cartridge and extendingoutwardly beyond the cartridge. The viz-stick allows for the angler tomore easily see the cartridge and know its location, as well as watchfor strikes by a fish.

Referring to FIGS. 75 a-c, in another implementation of the replaceablecartridges discloses herein, a stem guide 930 includes a body 932 overwhich a sleeve 934 can slide. The sleeve can slide in the direction of aprong 944 extending from a base 942 or in the direction of a hook 936.As illustrated in FIG. 75 a, the sleeve 934 is intermediate between thehook 936 and the prong 944. In this manner, an opening 938 is formedinto which a fishing line 940 can be inserted. FIG. 75 b illustrates thesleeve moved further in the direction of the hook 936 such that theopening 938 is closed and the position of the hook relative to thesleeve forms a channel through which the fishing line 940 passes.Because the opening is closed, the fishing line cannot be pulledlaterally out of the channel. If a line stop (not shown) is used on thefishing line, the stem guide can be used for slip bobber fishing. Asillustrated in FIG. 75 c, by further pushing the sleeve 934 over thebody 932 in the direction of the hook 936, the fishing line can bewedged in place between the sleeve and the hook, which prevents thefishing line from sliding through the stem guide. In this manner thestem guide can be used for fixed bobber fishing. Although not shown inFIGS. 75 a-c, a replaceable cartridge, such as a float, can be placedover the prong 944. The cartridge can be inserted over the prong andheld in place by the barbs or protrusions 946 without more or anadhesive can be additionally applied.

Referring to FIG. 76, in another implementation the stem guide 930 canhave a cup 948 instead of a flat surface at one end. The cup can be usedto receive a cartridge 950. The cartridge is received within the cup andheld in placing using any or more of the methods described herein, e.g.,magnets, friction fit, adhesive, threaded, etc. The type of stem guidebottoms illustrated in FIGS. 75 a-c and 76, i.e., a hook with a movablesleeve, is used primarily in Europe rather than in the United States.

Referring to FIGS. 77 a-c, the systems described herein with a buoyantmember can be modified to minimize the resistance a fish would feel uponstriking a lure or bait used with the stem guide and replaceable buoyantmember. The modification is accomplished by cutting the buoyant membersuch that a top surface of the buoyant member is approximately flushwith the top surface of the water when used with hook, lure or bait,sinker, etc. The buoyant member is made of a material that floats inwater but can be cut using, for example, a knife, scissors, or torn offby hand. Suitable materials that can be cut include a conventionalmaterial such as a plastic or foam, e.g., cork, polyethylene, balsamwood, etc. The buoyant member, or cartridge, can be extruded orinjection molded. Extruded polyethylene has been found to beparticularly suitable as a buoyant member or cartridge.

By minimizing the length of the buoyant member, and hence its buoyancy,when a fish strikes the bait or lure and takes the line, there will be aminimum resistance of the buoyant member in the water. The buoyantmember can be cut such that the top surface is above the water surface,partially below the water surface or flush with the water surface.

Because the top surface of the buoyant member will be approximate thesurface of the water, the angler will likely find it difficult to seethe buoyant member. This can be problematic to know whether a fish hasstruck the bait or lure. To address this need, the buoyant member can befitted with a viz stick, light stick or other visualization article. Thebuoyant member may have a channel along its length that is of a similarinner diameter as the outer diameter of the viz stick, light stick orother visualization article. The viz stick is inserted into the channelwhere it is retained and extends above the top surface of the buoyantmember. In this manner, the angler can easily see the position of theline and whether or not a fish is striking the bait or lure. The lengthof the viz stick can be adjusted by the angler if desired. For example,the viz stick can be made of an extruded plastic that is selected tohave a bright color and be easily cut. The viz stick can be hollow orsolid. It also can have a phosphorescent coating such that it will emitlight to further improve visualization of the viz stick.

FIGS. 77 a-c illustrate the stem guide 952 with a hollow buoyant member954 mounted over a prong 956. The other versions of stem guides and stemconnectors described herein can be used in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 77 a-c. FIG. 77 a illustrates the stem guide 952 with the uncutbuoyant member positioned over the prong 956. FIG. 77 b illustrates thebuoyant member 954 as being a simple hollow tube with a channel 958along its length. It should also be understood that the buoyant membercan alternatively be a solid tube.

FIG. 77 c illustrates the buoyant member 954 being cut to have abuoyancy that is approximately equal to the weight of the lure or bait,hook, sinker, etc. that together pull the buoyant member into the water.FIG. 77 c also shows a viz stick 960 being positioned in the channel 956such that the viz stick extends above the water so that it can be seenby the angler even if they buoyant member cannot be seen.

In another embodiment, the buoyant member can be solid but sufficientlysoft such that a rigid viz stick with a pointed end can be inserted intothe material. The viz stick can be a hollow, extruded tube in which theend is sharpened, for example by cutting. The cut end then can be pushedinto the buoyant member. It should be understood that a viz stick ofthis configuration can be used with either a hollow buoyant member or asolid buoyant member. Similarly, a solid extruded viz stick can have asharpened end formed by the process of cutting the individual viz sticksfrom the extruded tube. Such viz sticks can be used with either hollowor solid buoyant members. Viz stick are available from Rod-n-Bobbs ofEau Claire, Wis.

Referring also to FIG. 77 d-g, in other embodiments, the buoyant membercan be formed from a resilient foam material, such as extrudedpolyethylene or polypropylene foam, or other suitable resilient buoyantmaterial, and configured to have a lengthwise channel that does not havea diameter (or at least a negligible diameter) when in an uncompressedconfiguration but that opens up to form a lengthwise channel when thebuoyant member is compressed. For example, FIG. 77 d illustrates a slit961 formed in the buoyant member 954. The slit 961 runs the entirelength or a portion of the length of the member 954. As illustrated inFIG. 77 e, by applying a compressive force 962 on opposite sides of thebuoyant member, the cross-section of the buoyant member is distortedthereby distorting the slit 961 such that it opens to form a channel.Once the slit 961 is distorted to form a channel, the channel can beplaced over a prong that has protrusions or is free of protrusions. Forexample, the prong can be in the form of a blade. Once the compressiveforce applied to the buoyant member is removed, the channel reverts toits slit-like configuration, which compresses the buoyant member againstthe prong and hinders its removal.

Similarly, FIG. 77 f illustrates the slit 961 formed in the buoyantmember 954. The slit 961 runs the entire length or a portion of thelength of the member 954. The slit has a semi-circular shape but may beshaped in any other nonlinear shape. As explained below, the nonlinearshape of the slit is results in a varying degree of force applied to aprong within the slit across the length of the slit. As illustrated inFIG. 77 g, by applying a compressive force 962 on opposite sides of thebuoyant member, the cross-section of the buoyant member is distortedthereby distorting the slit 961 such that it opens to form a channel,here in the shape of a opened semi-circle. Once the slit 961 isdistorted to form the channel, the channel can be placed over a prongthat has protrusions or is free of protrusions. For example, the prongcan be in the form of a blade. Once the compressive force applied to thebuoyant member is removed, the channel reverts to its semi-circular slitconfiguration, which compresses the buoyant member against the prong andhinders its removal. The semi-circular slit retains the buoyant memberagainst the prong based first on the presence of the slit and secondbecause of the shape of the slit. The shape of the slit will attempt toconform the prong to that shape. However, the rigid nature of the prongwill not permit such change in the prong and thereby providingadditional force to retain the buoyant member to the prong.

The buoyant member 954, and other buoyant members described herein, aredesigned to be easily mounted to the stem guide 952 and thereaftereasily removed from the stem guide 952 when and if desired. There is norequirement of securing the buoyant member to the stem guide with anadhesive, glue or other permanent mechanical securing means topermanently or temporarily secure the buoyant member to the stem guide.For example, rather than a crimping step of the stem guide to retain thebuoyant member to the stem guide, the buoyant member may be retained byan interference fit within the stem guide in a step that does notinclude crimping or another form of permanent or plastic deformation ofeither the stem guide, the buoyant member or the combination of the two.Similarly, the step in which the buoyant member is retained in the stemguide or on the stem guide is by a step that does not either permanentlyor plastically deform the stem guide or buoyant member. For example, thebuoyant member may have one end compressed, inserted into a cavity ofthe stem guide and then allowed to expand to its natural condition, oralmost natural condition, to securely fit within the stem guide. In thisconfiguration, it is not necessary to apply adhesive or glue to retainthe buoyant member in the stem guide. This method of applying thebuoyant member may be applicable to buoyant members with a channel alongits length as well as solid buoyant members.

As another example of a step of retaining the buoyant member to the stemguide, the buoyant member can be twisted or rotated (e.g., in aclockwise or counter clockwise direction) into the stem guide such thatthe twisting or rotating causes the outer diameter of one end of thebuoyant member to be temporarily decreased to fit within the stem guide.In another embodiment of mounting the buoyant member to a prongextending from the stem guide, the buoyant member can be compressed ordistorted in shape to change the round channel through the buoyantmember to form an elongated, narrowed channel that passes easily overany protrusions extending from the prong. By forming an elongated,narrowed channel, it is meant that the diameter of the channel isreduced in one dimension but extended in another dimension. For example,the channel may be round at rest but upon compressing two opposite sidesof the buoyant member inward, the channel changes from a round shape toan elongated oval shape. As a consequence, the buoyant member passeseasily over the prong to be in contact with the stem guide, but uponreleasing any compressive force applied to the buoyant member theresiliency of the buoyant member causes the channel to return to itsoriginal diameter. As a result, the channel will attempt to return toits originally round shape and compress against the prong and anyprotrusions extending from the prong, which will thereby restrict theability of the buoyant member to be inadvertently removed. However, thebuoyant member can be easily removed by repeating the compression actionto slide the buoyant member off of the prong.

It also should be noted that most of the buoyant members and stem guidesdescribed herein have certain characteristics in common. For example,the stem guide is generally rigid without movable parts such as a hingemechanism. Therefore the stem guide is free of any movable part and freeof any hinge or hinge-like mechanism and consists of or consistsessentially of the configurations illustrated in the figures forpurposes of mounting and retaining the buoyant member to the stem guide.It should be understood, however, that the spring or sleeve that slidesover a portion of the stem guide is not included in thischaracterization because the spring is not the same as the stem guidebut instead is an article added to the stem guide for use with the stemguide.

In contrast, most of the buoyant members used as replaceable elementswith the stem guide are configured to be movable rather than rigid. Bymovable, it is meant that the buoyant member can be one or more ofcompressed inward, distorted in shape, bent, folded over, stretchedlengthwise or widthwise and compressed lengthwise or widthwise. Thesecharacteristics permit such buoyant members to be easily mounted to andremoved from a stem guide. A buoyant member made of a material that isresilient, flexible or compressible, could be difficult for an angler tomount to the prong or insert into a cup. For example, a rigid Styrofoambuoyant member could be too rigid for use as a replaceable float withthe prong version or the cup version of the stem guide. The act ofsliding the Styrofoam buoyant member of a prong having protrusionsextending from the surface may result in the buoyant member cracking orotherwise permanently deforming.

As an example of one of these characteristics referenced above, theprong extending from the flat surface of the stem guide is generallyrigid and does not include a flexible or movable portion that is used toexert a force to retain the buoyant member to the prong. Instead, theprong maintains a constant shape, does not exert a force against thebuoyant member and can be characterized as being passive with respect toacting on or exerting a force against the buoyant member. Therefore,retention of the buoyant member to the prong is based solely on thecompressive force exerted by the buoyant member against the prong ratherthan an expansive force exerted by the prong against the buoyant member.In other words, retention of the buoyant member to the prong occursbecause the buoyant member exerts a force on the prong while the prongreceives the force exerted by the buoyant member.

As a further explanation, in use the buoyant member is stretched orforced over the prong and passed along a portion or all of the length ofthe prong. Upon being placed or forced over the prong, the buoyantmember is primarily retained to the prong by the compressive force ofthe buoyant member as it attempts to reduce its size by returning to itsunstretched or unexpanded state against the prong. Consequently, if abuoyant member has a channel with an inner diameter that is greater thanthe outer diameter of the prong, the buoyant member will not exert aforce against the prong and therefore will easily fall off of the prong.

FIG. 78 describes a process 970 by which an angler can use the stemguide 952 and the buoyant member 954 for fishing to minimize theresistance that a fish would feel upon taking the lure or bait used withthe stem guide. Initially, the angler places tackle on the fishing lineand attaches a stem guide to the fishing line (step 972). Next, theangler mounts the buoyant member 954 to the stem guide 952 and placesthe stem guide in the water to estimate the amount of buoyant memberextending above the surface of the water (step 974). The angler nextremoves the buoyant member from the stem connector and cuts the buoyantmember across its width at the position where the surface of the waterwas seen on the buoyant member. In this manner the top surface of thebuoyant member should be approximately flush with the surface of thewater (step 976). The angler then positions the cut buoyant member overthe prong of the stem connector and places the stem connector back inthe water to ensure buoyant member was cut at the correct position. Ifthe angler decides that the buoyant member extends too much out of thewater, the angler can cut off more of the buoyant member (step 978).Finally, the angler can place a viz stick or other visualization aid(e.g., light stick) in the buoyant member and ensure that the viz stickcan be seen when fishing (step 980).

Although it is expected that the buoyant member will be securelyretained to the stem guide without the use of an adhesive, the anglermay decide to apply a small amount of adhesive to the buoyant member ofthe stem guide. In this manner, the angler will have additionalassurances that the buoyant member will be retained to the stem guide.Similarly, the viz stick should be securely retained within the buoyantmember without the use of an adhesive. However, the angler may wish toapply a small amount of adhesive to either the viz stick or the buoyantmember to be assured that the viz stick will be retained within thebuoyant member. In one embodiment, the amount of adhesive applied isjust enough to retain the viz stick or buoyant member but not so muchthat the articles cannot be separated without damage to either article.In another embodiment, the amount of adhesive applied retains the vizstick or buoyant member but prevents separation without damage to eitherthe viz stick, buoyant member or stem guide. Such techniques areoptionally included in the method of this invention.

Referring to FIGS. 79 a-c, in another embodiment, an angler can use afishing float 1000 for both slip bobber fishing and fixed bobber fishingin any season. The fishing float 1000 includes a stem 1002 and a float1004. At a lower region 1018 of the stem 1002 there is positioned a pairof line shoulders 1006, 1008 that pass into the stem. At the lowerregion of the stem there also is a cap 1010 positioned at the end of thestem. The cap 1010 can be a molded part that is attached to the stem ormolded with the stem during the manufacture of the stem. The cap 1010has an outer diameter that is greater than that of the stem such thatthe outer edge of the cap extends beyond the outer edge of the stem. Theline shoulder 1008 extends into the cap 1010 through an upper surface ofthe cap that is oriented generally perpendicularly to the outer surfaceof the stem.

The stem also includes a flange or ridge 1014 against which the float1004 is mounted. The ridge 1014 may be a part separately mounted to thestem and held against the stem by, for example, an adhesive,interference fit, solvent or heat to form a bond between the stem andridge or a combination of these techniques. The stem also may be anintegral part of the stem that is formed during the manufacture of thestem. During manufacture, the float 1004 is passed over the stem fromthe upper region 1016 along the stem to the ridge 1014. The float 1004may be retained against the stem by an interference fit between aninside surface of the float, an adhesive that bonds the float to thestem, use of a solvent or heat to form a bond between the float and thestem, or a combination of these techniques.

The fishing float 1000 also includes a spring 1012 that is positionedover the lower region of the stem 1002 such that the spring surroundsboth line shoulders 1006, 1008. The spring extends between the cap 1010and the ridge 1014 such that the spring is retained on the lower region1018 of the stem. As noted above, the line shoulder 1008 extend into thecap 1010. In so doing, a portion of the length of the line shoulder isnot surrounded by the spring. In contrast, the spring covers theentirety of the upper line shoulder 1006. This different is important inuse of the fishing float 1000 for slip bobber fishing and fixed bobberfishing. As is understood by one of skill in the art, the lower region1018 of the fishing bobber will be within the water during fishing witha lower portion of the float 1004 under the water and an upper portionabove the water. When a fishing line passes through the lower lineshoulder 1008, the fishing line can slide through the line shoulderwithout hindrance and remains underwater when passing through the lineshoulder. While this may not provide unexpected advantages duringfishing in above freezing temperatures, this configuration offersadvantages during winter fishing when temperatures are below freezing.Because the interaction of the fishing line and the line shoulder occursunderwater, there is no contact with freezing air conditions that couldcause water on the line or line shoulder to result in the line freezingto the line shoulder.

To prepare the fishing float 1000, the stem 1002 is prepared byextrusion, molding, or other fabrication technique. The stem may besolid or hollow with a lengthwise channel through its center. The stemmay be molded with the line shoulders 1006, 1008, cap 1010 and ridge1014 in place or extruded and the line shoulders, cap and ridge formedseparately. The cap 1010 may have an optional opening that can be usedif the stem 1002 has a channel along its length, for example, for slipbobber fishing. The stem may be made of a plastic, such aspolypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, etc. The float 1004 may be apolyurethane foam, a hollow plastic piece with a channel through themiddle such that a buoyant region is formed, or other buoyant materialwith a lengthwise channel through the middle. The float 1004 may beplaced over the upper region 1016 of the stem and then affixed to thestem in the manners described above. The spring 1012 may be mounted tothe lower region of the stem prior to placing the cap and ridge on thestem or afterwards by manipulating the spring such that it can be forcedover the cap or ridge. The ridge 1014 can be formed such that itincludes a downward directed opening forming a cavity sized to receivethe end of the spring. In this manner, the upper end of the springresides within the cavity, which advantageously reduces the likelihoodthat an angler will attempt to push down the upper end of the springwith using the fishing float 1000.

As evident from the figures, the upper region 1016 of the stem includesa tapered cap 1020 that is positioned at a terminal end of the stem. Thetapered cap 1020 can be a separate item that is affixed to the stem, anintegral part of the stem formed during manufacture, or an integral partof the stem formed by inserting the stem into a heated mold shaped toresult in the tapered shape. The cap 1020 can be the same color as thestem or a different, more readily visible color, such as red, yellow,orange, or a fluorescent color that is easily seen during angling. Thecap can include a lengthwise channel and have an opening at the taperedend that permits passage of the fishing line so that the fishing floatcan be used for slip bobber fishing through the length of the stem aswell as through the line shoulder 1008.

To use the fishing float 1000, the angler can either slip bobber orfixed bobber fish. If fixed bobber fishing, the angler moves the lowerend of the spring 1012 upward in the direction of the ridge 1014. Inmoving the spring upwards, the line shoulder 1008 and 1006 are exposed.If the angler places the fishing line through the line shoulder 1006,the angler can use the fishing float 1000 for fixed bobber fishing. Uponreleasing the spring 1012, the spring will expand downward against thecap 1010. In expanding downward, the fishing line will be forced by thespring against the cap 1010 on opposite positions of the line shoulder.By forcing the fishing line against the cap, the fishing line will behindered from sliding through the line shoulder, thereby providing thebobber suitable for fixed bobber fishing.

If the angler pushes the lower end of the spring upward and places thefishing line through the line shoulder 1008, the angler can instead usethe fishing float 1000 for slip bobber fishing. Upon releasing thespring, the end of the spring will push the fishing line into theportion of the line shoulder that passes through the cap 1010. In thismanner, the fishing line can slide through the line shoulder and capwithout hindrance until a line stop reaches the line shoulder. The linestop, e.g., a knot and/or bead, will be of an outer diameter than cannotfit through the shoulder such that upon interaction with the lineshoulder, the line will not be able to move further through the lineshoulder.

It should be understood that the primary functions of the cap 1010 areto provide a surface against which the fishing line will be pressed forfixed bobber fishing and to prevent the spring from falling off of thestem. The functions can be provided just as well by the formation of aridge extending from the stem around the entirety or a portion of thecircumference of the stem.

It should be noted that in this embodiment, the fishing float does notinclude a stem connector as described above. Instead, the fishing floatconsists of or consists essentially of the stem, the line shoulders inthe stem for fixed and slip bobber fishing, a float positioned aroundthe stem to provide buoyancy to the fishing float, and a spring with aridge or cap to prevent loss of the spring and to permit fixed bobberfishing.

In another implementation of the fishing float 1000, the float 1004 ismade of a buoyant material that can be cut, as described above. Thefloat can be made of a material that floats in water but can be cutusing, for example, a knife. Suitable materials that can be cut includea conventional material such as a plastic or foam, e.g., cork,polyethylene, balsam wood etc. The float can be extruded or injectionmolded. Extruded polyethylene has been found to be particularly suitableas a buoyant float. As explained above, the float is cut to reduce theamount of buoyant material, e.g., the float, positioned above the waterline. In this way, the float can be cut so that a minimal amount offloat is above the water line or at the water line. The angler wouldmake these adjustments in the manner described above.

Advantageously, in this embodiment the float 1004 can be removed andreplaced with a different float as desired. In this implementation, thefloat is retained to the stem 1002 by an interference fit and/or anoptional application of an adhesive, or using other methods disclosedherein. In this implementation, the stem 1002 can be provided in a kitwith one or more floats 1004. The floats 1004 also can be provided in aseparate package without the stem. The stem 1002 can be sold separatelyif desired. Although the floats are illustrated as being bulb shaped,the floats can be of any shape, such as an elongated tube as illustratedin other figures herein.

Referring to FIGS. 80 a-f, in another embodiment, a fishing float 1030includes a two part stem made up of a first tube 1016 and a second tube1018. The pair of tubes are joined together at a sleeve 1040. The sleeve1040 may be a short segment of tubing that is receives an end of theeach of the tubes 1016, 1018 and then retains the tubes within thesleeve through an interference fit, adhesive, heat or solvent bonding,etc. or a combination of techniques. The sleeve 1040 instead can beintegrally formed with the tube 1018, for example, by injection moldingof the entire piece. The inner diameter of the sleeve can be sized toreceive the tube 1016 with a tight interference fit. The sleeve also canbe configured to have an opening into a cavity that is sized to receivean end of a spring, as described above with respect to FIGS. 79 a-c. Ifinjection molded of otherwise manufactured, the tube 1018 also can beconfigured to include a cap or ridge 1010 at the end opposite of thesleeve. The cap/ridge 1010 prevents the sleeve from being dislodged offof the tube 1018.

As particularly illustrated in FIG. 80 c, the tube 1018 includes alengthwise channel 1032 that passes between a pair of openings at ends1042, 1044. The opening at end 1042 permits a fishing line to pass outof the fishing float 1030 in slip bobber fishing. The fishing linepasses through the channel 1032 from the opening at end 1044 to end1042. The fishing line enters the tube 1018 from tube 1016, which isformed with a lengthwise channel 1034 over its entire length. The end ofthe tube 1016 that is distant from the tube 1018 has an opening that isclosed with a cap 1036. The cap 1036 has an opening 1046 through whichthe fishing line can pass. The opening 1046 is sized such that a fishingline can pass through the opening but a bobber line stop, such as a tiedknot or an elastic bead, will not pass through the opening. This allowsthe fishing float 1040 to be used for slip bobber fishing.

As evident in FIGS. 80 c and 80 f, the tube 1018 is solid except for thechannel 1032. A pair of line shoulders 1006, 1008 are formed within thetube 1018. As explained above with respect to FIGS. 79 a-c, the spring1012 is used in combination with the line shoulders to be permit anangler to use the fishing float 1030 for either fixed bobber fishing orslip bobber fishing in any weather conditions, e.g., freezing conditionsor summer conditions.

The fishing float 1030 has other features in common with the fishingfloat 1000. For example, the float 1004 can be affixed permanently tothe stem or can be removable and replaceable. Similarly, the float canbe cut to a particular length to reduce resistance when a fish strikesthe hook.

A difference between fishing floats 1000 and 1030 is the optionalability to insert a light stick into the tube 1016 of fishing float1030. If desired, the angler can remove the cap 1036, insert a lightstick into the tube 1016 and position the cap into the tube. In thisembodiment, the tube 1016 is made of a clear plastic such that the lightemitted by the light stick will pass through the tube and be visible toan angler.

Referring to FIGS. 81 a-f, in another embodiment a fishing float 1050 isconfigured for use in slip bobber fishing in all seasons. The fishingfloat 1050 includes a one-piece stem 1052 that runs the entire length ofthe fishing float and a float 1004 positioned on and around the stem1052. The stem includes a sleeve 1054 mounted on the stem in the form ofa ridge or flange around the circumference of the stem. The sleeve actsas a stop to limit the downward movement of the float 1004 on the stemand may be formed with the stem, e.g., by injection molding, or aseparately formed part that is mounted on the stem and held in place by,for example, a bond formed through use of an adhesive, solvent, heat,etc.

In conjunction with a ridge or cap 1056 at the bottom of the stem, thesleeve 1054 also limits upward movement of a spring 1012 on a lowerregion of the stem while the ridge 1056 limits downward movement of thespring. The spring encircles a pair of line shoulders 1006, 1008 in thelower region of the stem. As explained above, the line shoulder 1008extends below the ridge 1056 into the cap such that the spring does notencircle the entirety of the line shoulder 1008 while encircling theentirety of the line shoulder 1006. This difference in encirclement bythe spring permits the line shoulder 1006 to be used for fixed bobberfishing and the line shoulder 1008 to be used for slip bobber fishing.

The stem 1052 also includes a lengthwise channel 1060 that has a firstopening 1064 at one end of the stem and a second opening 1062 as theother end of the stem. The channel 1060 is used for slip bobber fishingand is particularly suited for summer slip bobber fishing. The top endof the stem and the channel opening 1064 is closed with a cap 1046. Thecap 1046 includes an opening through which a fishing line can be passedto be used for summer slip bobber fishing. The opening 1064 can have aflared configuration such that the fishing line will easily pass intothe channel 1060. The stem 1052 can be formed by any conventionalmanufacturing method, including extrusion, injection molding, etc. andconsist of a conventional plastic material, such as nylon,polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.

To use the fishing float 1050 for slip bobber fishing in warm weather,an angler would place a bobber stop on the fishing line in a position onthe line between the fishing float and the reel. The angler then wouldpass the free end of the fishing line through the opening in the cap1046, into the opening 1064, through the channel 1060, and out of theopening 1062 and the bottom of the stem. The angler then would attachfishing tackle, including sinkers, swivel, hook, lure, etc. to the freeend of the line. The angler reels the fishing line into the reel, whichcauses the fishing float to slide along the line until it reaches thetackle at the end of the line. Upon casting out, the fishing tacklepulls the fishing line through the channel 1060 until the bobber stopfixed to the fishing line reaches the cap 1046 and the opening in thecap. Because the opening is sized to be smaller than the bobber stop,the line will stop passing through the channel,

To use the fishing float 1050 for slip bobber or fixed bobber fishingusing the line shoulders 1006, 1008, the angler pulls the spring 1012 upin the direction of the sleeve 1054. By pulling the spring upsufficiently to pass the fishing line into the line shoulder 1006 andthen releasing the spring, the angler can use the fishing float 1050 forfixed bobber fishing. Releasing the spring causes the fishing line to bepressed by the spring against the ridge 1056, preventing movement of thefishing line through the line shoulder 1006. By pulling the spring upsufficiently to pass the fishing line into the line shoulder 1008 andthen releasing the spring, the angler can use the fishing float 1050 forslip bobber fishing in freezing weather. Because any contact between thefishing line and the fishing float occurs underwater in thisconfiguration, the fishing line will not freeze against the fishingfloat during use.

Referring to FIGS. 82 a-d, in another embodiment a fishing float 1070 isconfigured for slip and fixed bobber fishing with the use of a lightstick positioned within the stem of the fishing float. The fishing float1070 includes a two part stem consisting of a lower stem segment 1072and an upper stem segment 1074. The stem segments 1072, 1074 are fittedtogether using any conventional means, such as a threaded mounting, aninterference fit or the like. FIG. 82 d illustrates the use of a tube1076 positioned within and extending from the lower stem segment 1072.The stem segment 1074 has a lengthwise channel 1079 into which the tube1076 is inserted to mount the lower stem segment and the upper stemsegment to form the stem of the fishing float 1070. The tube 1076 isretained within the channel 1079 by an interference fit, application ofa small amount of adhesive, solvent bond, etc. The mounting of the twostem segments can result in a water tight seal. The stem includes asleeve 1078 mounted on the stem in the form of a ridge or flange aroundthe circumference of the stem. The sleeve acts as a stop to limit thedownward movement of the float 1004 on the stem and may be formed withthe stem, e.g., by injection molding, or a separately formed part thatis mounted on the stem and held in place by, for example, a bond formedthrough use of an adhesive, solvent, heat, etc.

The channel 1079 within the stem segment 1074 forms a cavity into whicha light stick 1084 or other visual indicator (e.g., viz stick) can beplaced. The upper stem segment 1074 may be formed from a clear plasticmaterial such that the light from the light stick will emit through theplastic material so that the angler can locate the position of thefishing float 1070 once it is positioned in the water or can be alertedto a strike on a hook attached to the fishing line by movement of thelight stick/fishing float combination.

A cap 1082 is positioned within the channel 1079 such that the cavitywithin the upper stem segment 1074 is water tight. The cap 1082 can beused to form a simple interference fit or can be modified to provide amore certain, water tight seal. For example, the cap can have a shaftfrom which extends one or more ridges that form water tight interferencefit between the shaft and the inner wall of the channel 1079. The capalso can have a ribbed surface on the portion of the cap that is outsideof the channel 1079. The ribbed surface permits an angler to easily gripthe cap and remove it to insert or withdraw the light stick.

The float 1004 is positioned around the stem 1074 and held in place inthe manner described above, e.g., an interference fit, a bond formed byuse of an adhesive, solvent, heat. In use, the lower stem segment 1072will be submerged under water, a portion of the float 1004 will besubmerged in the water and the upper stem segment 1074 will extend outof the water with the light stick 1084 positioned entirely out of thewater. Of course, the relative lengths of the stem segments 1072, 1074can be varied from that illustrated in FIGS. 82 a-d such that all or aportion of the light stick is submerged. The configuration of thefishing float 1070 keeps the cavity 1079 water free so that the lightstick remains dry.

To use the fishing float 1070 for slip bobber or fixed bobber fishingwith a light stick 1084 in the cavity formed within channel 1079, theangler first attaches the fishing line. The angler initially pulls thespring 1012 up in the direction of the sleeve 1078. By pulling thespring up sufficiently to pass the fishing line into the line shoulder1006 and then releasing the spring, the angler can use the fishing float1050 for fixed bobber fishing. Releasing the spring causes the fishingline to be pressed by the spring against the ridge formed by the cap1080, preventing movement of the fishing line through the line shoulder1006. By pulling the spring up sufficiently to pass the fishing lineinto the line shoulder 1008 and then releasing the spring, the anglercan use the fishing float 1070 for slip bobber fishing in freezingweather. Because any contact between the fishing line and the fishingfloat occurs underwater in this configuration, the fishing line will notfreeze against the fishing float during use. The angler then removes thecap 1082, activates a light stick, inserts the light stick into thecavity formed in channel 1079, and replaces the cap. The angler can castout the fishing tackle and float or use the tackle and fishing float atthat location (e.g., through a hole in the ice). If slip bobber fishing,the fishing line will pass through the line shoulder 1008 until a bobberstop attached to the fishing line at a pre-determined position reachesthe line shoulder, at which time the interaction between the bobber stopand the line shoulder will prevent further movement of the fishing linethrough the line shoulder. In this manner, assuming that the angler isfishing at night or in otherwise dark conditions, the angler will beable to view the position of the fishing float based on the lightemitted from the light stick.

As described above with reference to the fishing float 1000, the fishingfloat 1070 may similarly include a float 1004 that is made of a buoyantmaterial that can be cut, as described above. The float can be made of amaterial that floats in water but can be cut using, for example, aknife. Suitable materials that can be cut include a conventionalmaterial such as a plastic or foam, e.g., cork, polyethylene, balsamwood etc. The float can be extruded or injection molded. Extrudedpolyethylene has been found to be particularly suitable as a buoyantfloat. As explained above, the float is cut to reduce the amount ofbuoyant material, e.g., the float, positioned above the water line. Inthis way, the float can be cut so that a minimal amount of float isabove the water line or at the water line. The angler would make theseadjustments in the manner described herein elsewhere.

Advantageously, in this embodiment the float 1004 can be removed andreplaced with a different float as desired. In this implementation, thefloat is retained to the stem 1072 by an interference fit and/or anoptional application of an adhesive, or using other methods disclosedherein. The stem 1074, like the other stems described herein can alsoinclude protrusions, a roughened surface, longitudinal ribs,circumferential ridges, etc. to improve the interference fit between thefloat 1004 and the stem 1074. In this implementation and the othersherein, the stem 1072 can be provided in a kit with one or more floats1004. The floats 1004 also can be provided in a separate package withoutthe stem. The fishing float 1070 can be sold separately without a float1004 if desired and then a kit with different sized, shaped and coloredfloats purchased separately for mounting on the stem. For example, whilethe float 1004 has been depicted as being bulb shaped, the floats can beof any shape, such as an elongated tube as illustrated in other figuresherein.

Referring to FIGS. 83 a-f, in another embodiment a fishing float 1085 isconfigured for slip and fixed bobber fishing with the use of a lightstick 1084 positioned within a hollow tube 1087 positioned adjacent toan upper stem segment 1091 of the stem of the fishing float 1085. Thefishing float 1085 includes a two part stem consisting of a lower stemsegment 1090 and the upper stem segment 1091. The stem segments 1090,1091 are fitted together using any conventional means, such as athreaded mounting, an interference fit or the like. Alternative, thestem segments can be produced as a single, one piece stem, such as byinjection molding.

FIGS. 83 a-c illustrate the hollow tube 1087 positioned adjacent to andextending lengthwise along the length of the upper stem segment 1091.The hollow tube 1087 has a closed lower end and an open upper end intowhich a light stick 1084 or other visual indicator (e.g., viz stick) canbe inserted. The light from the light stick will emit through theplastic material so that the angler can locate the position of thefishing float once it is positioned in the water or can be alerted to astrike on a hook attached to the fishing line by movement of the lightstick/fishing float combination. The open end is closed by a cap 1088that fits within the opening. The cap may be threaded to be retained inthe cap or may be threadably inserted into the cap. The cap can have ahinge that connects the cap to the tube 1087. The hinge can be in theform of a strip of plastic connecting the cap to the tube. The cap canbe used to form a simple interference fit or can be modified to providea more certain, water tight seal. For example, the cap can have a shaftfrom which extends one or more ridges that form water tight interferencefit between the shaft and the inner wall of the channel formed in thehollow tube. The cap also can have a ribbed surface on the portion ofthe cap that is outside of the channel. The ribbed surface permits anangler to easily grip the cap and remove it to insert or withdraw thelight stick.

The hollow tube 1087 can be made from a clear plastic material or can betinted with one or more colors. In this manner, if the plastic used toform the tube is clear and untinted a light stick positioned within thetube will emit a light of the color of the light stick. Alternatively,if the tube is tinted with one or more colors, a light stick positionedwithin the tube will result in the light emitted to be of the tint ortints of the tube. The tube 1087 can be made of multiple segments thatare attached to each other to form a tube. Each tube can be made of aclear plastic with a different tint to allow an angler to betterdistinguish his float from another. For example, the tube can be made ofa first clear untinted segment and a second clear red tinted segment. Inthis manner, a light stick within the tube will cause a red light and awhite light to be emitted when in use. Other color combinations are alsopossible and within the scope of the invention.

The hollow tube 1087 may be formed with the stem or stem segments or maybe formed separately and mounted to the stem or stem segments. If thehollow tube is formed with the stem or stem segments, the tube may beinjection molded or extruded. If formed separately, the tube may beinjection molded or extruded, and then mounted to the stem or stemsegments. The hollow tube 1087 may be adhered to the stem using anadhesive or solvent based bond, the tube may be heat bonded to the stemor may be retained through use of a mechanical fitting.

The stem segments 1090 and 1091 have a lengthwise channel 1092 intowhich a fishing line can be passed for through slip bobber fishing. Asillustrated in FIG. 83 d, the upper stem segment 1091 includes anopening 1089 at one end into which the free end of a fishing line can beinserted. The fishing line is then passed through the channel 1092 intothe lower segment 1090 and out the end of the stem. The diameter of theopening 1089 is selected such that a pre-tied knot on the fishing linewill interact with the opening 1089 for slip bobber fishing.

The stem includes a sleeve 1093 mounted on the stem in the form of aridge or flange around the circumference of the stem. The sleeve acts asa stop to limit the downward movement of the float 1004 on the stem andmay be formed with the stem, e.g., by injection molding, or a separatelyformed part that is mounted on the stem and held in place by, forexample, a bond formed through use of an adhesive, solvent, heat, etc.The sleeve 1093 also limits upward movement of a spring 1012 thatencircles a portion of the lower stem segment 1090. The stem segment1090 also includes a lower cap 1093 that limits downward movement of thespring 1012, restraining movement of the spring between the cap 1093 andsleeve 1093.

The float 1004 is positioned around the stem 1090/1091 and held in placein the manner described above, e.g., an interference fit, a bond formedby use of an adhesive, solvent, heat. In use, the lower stem segment1090 will be submerged under water, a portion of the float 1004 will besubmerged in the water and the upper stem segment 1091 will extend outof the water with the light stick 1084 positioned entirely out of thewater. The configuration of the fishing float keeps the cavity withintube 1087 water free so that the light stick remains dry.

To use the fishing float 1085 for slip bobber or fixed bobber fishingwith a light stick 1084 in the cavity formed within the tube 1087, theangler first attaches the fishing line. The angler initially pulls thespring 1012 up in the direction of the sleeve 1093. By pulling thespring up sufficiently to pass the fishing line into the line shoulder1006 and then releasing the spring, the angler can use the fishing float1085 for fixed bobber fishing. Releasing the spring causes the fishingline to be pressed by the spring against the ridge formed by the cap1094, preventing movement of the fishing line through the line shoulder1006. By pulling the spring up sufficiently to pass the fishing lineinto the line shoulder 1008 and then releasing the spring, the anglercan use the fishing float 1085 for slip bobber fishing in freezingweather. Because any contact between the fishing line and the fishingfloat occurs underwater in this configuration, the fishing line will notfreeze against the fishing float during use. The angler then removes thecap 1088, activates a light stick, inserts the light stick into thecavity formed in hollow tube 1087, and replaces the cap. The angler cancast out the fishing tackle and float or use the tackle and fishingfloat at that location (e.g., through a hole in the ice).

If slip bobber fishing, the angler will pass the fishing line throughthe line shoulder 1008 until a bobber stop attached to the fishing lineat a pre-determined position reaches the line shoulder, at which timethe interaction between the bobber stop and the line shoulder willprevent further movement of the fishing line through the line shoulder.In this manner, assuming that the angler is fishing at night or inotherwise dark conditions, the angler will be able to view the positionof the fishing float based on the light emitted from the light stick.

In another form of slip bobber fishing, the angler passes the fishingline through the opening 1089 in the upper stem 1091, through thechannel 1092 and out the opening at the bottom of the lower stem 1090.In use, when a bobber stop attached to the fishing line at apre-determined position reaches the opening 1089, the interactionbetween the bobber stop and the opening will prevent further movement ofthe fishing line through the line shoulder. In this manner, assumingthat the angler is fishing at night or in otherwise dark conditions, theangler will be able to view the position of the fishing float based onthe light emitted from the light stick.

As described above with reference to the fishing float 1000, the fishingfloat 1085 may similarly include a float 1004 that is made of a buoyantmaterial that can be cut, as described above. The float can be made of amaterial that floats in water but can be cut using, for example, a knifeSuitable materials that can be cut include a conventional material suchas a plastic or foam, e.g., cork, polyethylene, balsam wood etc. Thefloat can be extruded or injection molded. Extruded polyethylene hasbeen found to be particularly suitable as a buoyant float. The extrudedpolyethylene can be a foam and the foam can be a closed cell foam. Asexplained above, the float is cut to reduce the amount of buoyantmaterial, e.g., the float, positioned above the water line. In this way,the float can be cut so that a minimal amount of float is above thewater line or at the water line. The angler would make these adjustmentsin the manner described herein elsewhere.

Advantageously, in this embodiment the float 1004 can be removed andreplaced with a different float as desired. In this implementation, thefloat is retained to the stem 1090/1091 by an interference fit and/or anoptional application of an adhesive, or using other methods disclosedherein. The stem, like the other stems described herein can also includeprotrusions, a roughened surface, longitudinal ribs, circumferentialridges, etc. to improve the interference fit between the float 1004 andthe stem. In this implementation and the others herein, the stem can beprovided in a kit with one or more floats 1004. The floats 1004 also canbe provided in a separate package without the stem. The fishing floatsystem 1085 can be sold separately without a float 1004 if desired andthen a kit with different sized, shaped and colored floats purchasedseparately for mounting on the stem. For example, while the float 1004has been depicted as being bulb shaped, the floats can be of any shape,such as an elongated tube as illustrated in other figures herein.

Further, the fishing float described herein have the option of mountinga light stick to the stem guide or buoyant member. The light stick canbe mounted against or within the stem guide or buoyant member. Examplesof lights sticks and fishing floats are described and illustrated inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/774,710, the contents of which areincorporated herein in their entirety by reference for the differentconfigurations, uses and accessories disclosed therein along withmethods of making and using.

It should be understood that references to materials of construction,specific dimensions, and utilities or applications are also not intendedto be limiting in any manner and other materials and dimensions could besubstituted and remain within the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, in the examples above the float or other cartridge item can beretained to the stem guide through the use of an adhesive as asupplement to the other retaining means or as the sole retaining means.The amount of adhesive used by itself or with other cartridge retainingmeans can be of an amount that retains the cartridge to the stem guidebut permits removal of the cartridge without rendering the stem guideunusable. It also should be understood that the above embodimentsillustrated and disclosed may be free of an adhesive to retain thecartridge to the stem guide. Accordingly, it is not intended that theinvention be limited, except as by the appended claims.

1. A method for adjusting the buoyancy of a fishing bobber, the methodcomprising: providing a buoyant member comprised of a material capableof being severed by a cutting device and having a first length, a lowerend, and an upper end; providing a stem guide configured to receive thebuoyant member and a fishing line with fishing tackle, the stem guidecomprising: a cartridge receiving end having a cartridge attachmentmeans configured for receiving and retaining the fishing cartridge tothe stem guide in a manner that permits the fishing cartridge to beremoved from the stem guide without causing an amount of damage to thestem guide which prevents the stem guide from being used again, and afishing line engaging end at an end of the stem guide that is oppositethe cartridge receiving end and is configured for receiving a fishingline through an opening in the receiving end, the opening beingconfigured to limit the ability of the line to become separated from thestem guide while allowing the fishing line to pass through the stemguide; mounting the buoyant member to the cartridge attachment means;and cutting the buoyant member such that the buoyant member has a secondlength shorter than the first length, whereby the buoyant member is cutto a second length such that the buoyancy of the buoyant member when cutto a second length is enough to oppose the tendency of the stem guideand fishing tackle attached to the fishing line to submerse the buoyantmember such that a top surface of the cut buoyant member is adjacent tothe surface of the water when the stem guide, buoyant member, fishingline and any fishing tackle are placed in the water.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the buoyant member has an internal channel passingbetween the two ends.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the cartridgeattachment means comprises a prong and mounting the buoyant member tothe cartridge attachment means comprises inserting the prong into thechannel in the buoyant member, whereby at least portions of an innerdiameter of the channel are increased when the prong is inserted intothe buoyant member and the compressive force of the buoyant memberagainst the prong retains the buoyant member to the prong.
 4. The methodof claim 3, further comprising mounting a visualization aid to thebuoyant member by inserting the visualization aid into the hollowchannel of the buoyant member, wherein the visualization aid is one ormore of a viz stick, a light stick or other light emitting device. 5.The method of claim 3, further comprising applying an adhesive to thebuoyant member or the stem guide to temporarily retain the buoyantmember to the stem guide but yet allow the buoyant member or stem guideto be removed.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising applying anadhesive to either the buoyant member or the visualization aid totemporarily retain the visualization aid to the buoyant member but yetallows the visualization aid to be removed from the buoyant member. 7.The method of claim 3, wherein the buoyant member can be cut with aknife by the angler.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the top surfaceof the cut buoyant member is cut to be above, below, or generally flushwith the surface of the water when the stem guide, buoyant member,fishing line and any fishing tackle are placed in the water.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the cartridge attachment means comprises aprong and mounting the buoyant member to the cartridge attachment meanscomprises inserting the prong into the buoyant member, whereby thecompressive force of the buoyant member against the prong retains thebuoyant member to the prong.
 10. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising mounting a visualization aid to the buoyant member, whereinmounting a visualization aid to the buoyant member comprises insertingthe visualization aid into the buoyant member, and the visualization aidis one or more of a viz stick, a light stick or a light emitting device.11. The method of claim 1, wherein the buoyant member comprisespolyethylene.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the buoyant membercomprises extruded closed cell polyethylene foam.
 13. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising providing a kit containing multiple buoyantmembers.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the cartridge attachmentmeans comprises an open cavity in the stem guide and mounting thebuoyant member to the cartridge attachment means comprises compressingan outer diameter of the buoyant member, inserting the buoyant memberinto the open cavity, and releasing the outer diameter of the buoyantmember from compression to allow the buoyant member to expand againstthe open cavity.
 15. A fishing bobber system comprising a stem guide andone or more replaceable buoyant members mountable in the stem guide,wherein: the stem guide has a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst end has a surface and a prong extending outwardly from the surfaceand at the second end a first slot passing through the stem guidebetween opposite sides of the stem guide and connected to an outersurface of the stem guide by a second slot passing from the first slotto the outer surface of the stem guide, the first slot and second slotbeing configured to receive a fishing line; and the one or morereplaceable buoyant members having a first end, a second end and alongitudinal channel passing between openings at the first end and thesecond end, being made of a plastic foam and configured to be insertedonto the prong of the stem guide and removed from the prong withoutdamaging the stem guide, wherein at least a portion of an inner diameterof the channel is increased when the prong is inserted into the channelin the buoyant member and the compressive force of the buoyant memberagainst the prong retains the buoyant member to the prong.
 16. Thefishing bobber of claim 15, wherein the plastic foam comprises extrudedclosed cell polyethylene foam.
 17. The fishing bobber of claim 15,wherein the channel through the plastic foam buoyant member is closedalong a portion of the length of the plastic foam when the prong is notinserted into the channel.
 18. The fishing bobber of claim 15, furthercomprising multiple buoyant members in a separate package.
 19. A methodof fishing comprising providing a fishing float and mounting the fishingfloat to a stem guide, the fishing float having a first end, a secondend and a longitudinal channel passing between openings at the first endand the second end and, being made of an extruded polyethylene foam, thefishing float being provided in a kit with multiple fishing floats,wherein mounting the fishing float to the stem guide comprises changingthe inner or outer diameter of the fishing float and the fishing floatis retained to the stem guide solely or partially by a force exerted bythe fishing float against the stem guide.
 20. The method of claim 19,further comprising additional fishing floats with the stem guide orseparately from the stem guide.
 21. A fishing bobber comprising: atubular portion comprising a solid segment and a hollow segment, thesolid segment passing between a first end and a second end and includingat least one line shoulder formed therein adjacent to the first end andcomprising a slot passing between diametrically opposed openings andforming a plane having an orientation that is at an angle to a planeformed by a cross-section of the tubular portion that is perpendicularto the longitudinal axis of the tubular portion and including a ridgeextending from and encircling at least a portion of the solid segmentand positioned between the line shoulder and the first end or formingthe first end, and wherein the hollow segment has an opening at an endopposite to an end of the hollow segment adjacent to the solid segmentand is made of a clear material permitting light to pass through theclear material when a lighting device is positioned within the hollowsegment; a cap for closing the opening in the hollow segment to form agenerally water-tight seal, wherein the cap can be removed from theopening and placed back on the opening to cover the opening; a floatmounted around the tubular portion; and a spring mounted around thetubular portion, extending and maintained in compression by the ridgeand either the float or a second ridge adjacent to the float andextending around the tubular portion, the spring having longitudinalmovement along the tubular portion limited by the ridge in one directionand the float or second ridge in the opposite direction such that theline shoulder is completely encircled by the spring.